Marko Erakovic joins Trueplay as the Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, he will drive the company’s expansion into LATAM and Asia and enhance the commercial strategy for its loyalty booster solutions, including CopyStake.

“Marko’s solid business development background, deep understanding of the iGaming industry, and vast network make him an invaluable addition to our leadership team. His insight into market trends and operator needs will help us refine our offering and forge mutually beneficial partnerships, further solidifying our foothold,” said Yuliia Trotsiuk, Trueplay’s Chief Operating Officer.

In addition to broadening company reach, Marko will use his experience in sales and monetization strategy and digital engagement tools to better position CopyStake within the industry, highlighting its unique value proposition.

“I’m excited to join Trueplay, which is pursuing an ambitious growth strategy. The team has clearly outlined goals and objectives, so it’s time to roll up my sleeves and make it happen,” shared Marko Erakovic.

Ygam has partnered with the NUS Charity to launch a new student campaign to help students recognise the signs of gambling harms and start crucial conversations.

As part of National Student Money Week, the Silence the Stigma campaign launched at Queen Mary University of London on March 6. The event will bring together leading academics to present the latest research on gambling harms, explore ways universities can better support students, and provide an opportunity for a panel discussion and live Q&A.

The charities aim to collaborate with universities and student unions across the UK to provide advice and guidance to students through a variety of resources. Additionally, Ygam offers free educational workshops for students and CPD training for university staff on the issue.

The latest Annual Student Gambling Survey which was published this week found that 49% of students are gambling and 32% of them state friends as the biggest influence on their gambling behaviour. Students who gamble are four times more likely to experience gambling harms compared to the general population. Student gamblers are spending on average £27.24 a week on gambling with almost 1 in 10 students spending between £51-£100 a week. For 36% their motivation to gamble was to have fun with friends, second only to making money (45%).

The survey demonstrates the strength of influence that friends and peers have within the context of student gambling behaviour. 29% of students who do not gamble said that they knew someone whose university experience had been adversely affected by gambling, with 24% struggling to pay for bills, 20% struggling to pay for accommodation, and 17% seeing their grades suffer. Yet less than half (48%) of non-gambling students were aware of the support available on campus for those experiencing gambling harms.

GambleAware data shows that 75% of people experiencing gambling harms feel unable to talk to loved ones, with stigma being the biggest barrier to opening up. Additionally, while 1 in 4 people believe they know someone affected by gambling harms, 61% hesitate to start a conversation due to concerns about stigma.

Claire Patel, Programme Lead for University and Student Engagement, said: “The survey findings once again emphasise that students remain a group that engages in gambling in significant numbers and are particularly vulnerable to gambling-related harms. Unique social factors, the transition to financial independence, and the disproportionate impact of rising living costs on UK university students all contribute to this vulnerability.

Conversations among students on campus play a vital role in both identifying and safeguarding against gambling harms. Our campaign recognises that friends and peers are key to shaping a positive university experience and have a strong influence on one another’s decision-making. Students are uniquely positioned to spot the signs of gambling harm in their peers, and we believe they, like university staff, should be equipped with the tools and information needed to offer support.”

Charlotte Britton-Stevens, Acting Head of Union Development, NUS Charity, said: “We are delighted to be working with Ygam on the Silence the Stigma campaign – designed to get young people talking about gambling harms. This year’s Annual Student Gambling Survey shows that 21% of surveyed student gamblers were in the ‘problem gambling’ category, versus just 4.2% in the general population. These concerning numbers highlight how this digital generation of students, impacted heavily by the cost-of-living crisis, are particularly susceptible to the empty promises of online gambling.

“The campaign offers much needed resources to ensure students notice gambling harms and understand how to get help for themselves and their peers. We believe these valuable conversations will lead to more students seeking support and are working closely with our member students’ unions to ensure advice services are aware of the campaign and ready to offer much needed guidance. We know how vital SU advice services are in improving the student experience during these challenging times.”

NOVOMATIC Italia once again welcomed clients and partners to the Open Days at its Rimini headquarters, which took place this year from February 17 to 19, coinciding with ENADA Primavera, Italy’s leading gaming industry trade show. The exclusive event was dedicated to innovation, strategic vision and the presentation of the latest gaming solutions, further strengthening the company’s leadership in the sector.

The 2025 edition of the Open Days marked a key moment for NOVOMATIC Italia: The inauguration of its new showroom in Rimini. A modern and technologically advanced space designed to offer an immersive and interactive experience reflecting the hospitality typical of the ADMIRAL gaming venues. The innovative design and meticulously detailed setup allow visitors to explore the entire range of the NOVOMATIC products that are designed for the Italian market, transforming their visit into a true journey through the evolution of gaming, as envisioned by NOVOMATIC.

Among the most anticipated novelties are the latest generation VLTs, such as the NOVOSTAR FV637 and the V.I.P. X Dream cabinets, which redefine the gaming experience with high-definition monitors, sophisticated design and top-level performance. To enrich the offering, a quartet of new titles promises unique thrills: the CASH CONNECTION pair with Golden Sizzling Hot and Golden Voodoo Magic, together with two titles set in Ancient Egypt, Anubis Power and Queen Cleopatra Evolution Catch 5. In the AWP segment, the Open Days paid special attention to the Top Seven series, with the exclusive preview of Top 7 Vienna and the multi-game Game Club, which brings together some of the most prestigious titles in the Italian market. Both titles are 100% Made in Italy and developed by NOVOElsy.

Markus Buechele, CEO of NOVOMATIC Italia, stated: “During the three days of the event, the Rimini headquarters welcomed nearly 1,000 guests, including industry operators, customers, and stakeholders. This result confirms the great interest and trust that the local market places in NOVOMATIC Italia and attests to the value of the event as a key reference point for the gaming industry.”