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The World Tote Association (WoTA) announces election of a new Board; welcomes new members for 2025-26

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10th September 2024 – At the WoTA General meeting, hosted at the recent Asian Racing Conference in Sapporo, Japan, Board members worked collaboratively to establish a dynamic agenda for the organization, focused on multiple key objectives:

  • Creating stronger national and global betting pools, especially through commingling, to support the respective horseracing industries
  • Expanding pari-mutuel pool betting through additional markets and sporting events content for the additional collective benefit of WoTA operators
  • Addressing the challenges of illegal wagering
  • Working collectively on diversity and inclusion to further growth within the pool betting sector

Furthermore, WoTA members have elected the new Board who will drive the Association’s activities for the coming two years.

Fundi Sithebe, CEO of 4Racing in South Africa, and Keith Johnson, President of 1/ST TECHNOLOGY group/AmTote have accepted nominations to co-chair the Association. Riko Luiking, General Manager of German Tote, has likewise accepted the role of Treasurer.

Sithebe and Johnson take over from Alex Frost, CEO of the UK Tote Group, and Hans Lord Skarploth, CEO of ATG in Sweden, who have successfully co-chaired the Association since October 2022. During their tenure as Co-Chairs, the board initiated further commingling between members and a new sport pool project.

On taking over as Co-Chairs, Fundi Sithebe and Keith Johnson said: “We are delighted to be taking over as Co-Chairs of the World Tote Association. Over the last five years WoTA has made significant progress in developing the relationship between members and increasing understanding of the role pool betting plays in supporting horseracing around the globe. We thank Alex and Hasse for their excellent stewardship, and the entire WoTA Board for their efforts, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to further our collective ambitions for the good of horseracing and society as a whole.”

The new WoTA Board will focus on the stated key objectives to ensure WoTA progresses its overall aim to see the growth of pool betting and make an increased contribution to horseracing and has a positive relationship with customers, governments, regulators and society.

WoTA is also proud to welcome the Jockey Club of Turkey and Zeturf Group as full members of the Association.

Members of the WoTA Board for 2025-26:

  1. Keith Johnson – 1/ST TECHNOLOGY / AmTote (Co-Chair)
  2. Fundi Sithebe – 4Racing (Co-Chair)
  3. Alex Frost – UK Tote Group
  4. Hans Lord Skarplöth – ATG
  5. Paul Cross – Tabcorp
  6. Michael Fitzsimons – Hong Kong Jockey Club
  7. Driss Belghazi – Sorec
  8. Adrien Billon – Carrus Group
  9. Andreas Reimblad – Veikkaus
  10. Simon Leong – Singapore Pools
  11. Riko Luiking – German Tote (Treasurer)
  12. Andrew Archibald – United Tote

Biography of the WoTA Co-Chairs for 2025-26:

Fundi Sithebe, Chief Executive Officer of 4Racing

Fundi Sithebe was appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 4Racing PTY on 1 June 2021. 4Racing is the largest of the three horseracing operators within South Africa, and the company is responsible for horseracing operations, totalisator betting and broadcast operations of horseracing. The business has the largest sports pool offering in South Africa, licensed by the provincial gambling boards. A large part of her responsibilities is to ensure a successful turnaround, stabilising and the growth and sustainability of the horse racing business whilst managing the day-to-day operations, transformation and modernisation of the various business units.

Fundi was previously the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) responsible for daily operations on both aeronautic and non-aeronautic operations.

One of her biggest passions is the inclusivity and growth of female representation in the industries she serves in. She was previously a member of a few non-profit initiatives within the aviation industry (namely, Southern African Women in Aviation and Aerospace (SAWIA), Women in Aviation (W&A) as well as chairperson of Akani Aviation Leadership Initiative South Africa) that aimed to ensure a larger and a sustainable base of females in the aviation industry, and ensuring greater gender representation in the horseracing industry is an important objective for her.

Keith Johnson, President of 1/ST TECHNOLOGY group/AmTote

Keith joined the industry via AmTote in 1989 having just earned a BSBA degree from Auburn University.  Embracing the racing & wagering industry that his family had decades of roots in, Keith progressed within AmTote from its operational ground up, gaining extensive industry knowledge and experience within multiple departmental positions including field operations management, hub operations management, regional operations management, sales, and executive leadership positions, ultimately being promoted to President of AmTote in 2016.  In 2024, Keith was promoted to President of the broader 1/ST TECHNOLOGY group, which is inclusive of AmTote, PariMAX, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, and BetMIX business units.

 

The post The World Tote Association (WoTA) announces election of a new Board; welcomes new members for 2025-26 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Gaming industry earns Php410 B despite POGO ban – PAGCOR

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Despite the implemented ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), the gaming industry in the country continues to boom, according to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.

In his keynote address at the ASEAN Gaming Summit in Manila, Tengco said the country’s Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) will rise to Php410 billion in 2024, up 25% from the Php329 billion GGR in 2023.

“As offshore gaming exits, PAGCOR recognizes that the future of Philippine gaming will continue to become more technology-driven,” he said. “This is why PAGCOR will continue to closely regulate electronic gaming while ensuring strict oversight to combat illegal operators.”

The PAGCOR chairman emphasized that while land-based casinos contributed Php201 billion—almost half of the total GGR in 2024—revenue from the E-Games and E-Bingo sector grew significantly, grossing Php154.51 billion, 165% higher than in 2023.

“We partly attribute the strong performance of the local gaming industry to the strategic policy adjustments that we have implemented, such as the gradual reduction of fee rates for E-Games since 2023,” Tengco’s explanation.

He said that in 2023, PAGCOR was charging 50% to 55% license fees which was an obstacle to the increase in operators. “But effective January 1, 2025, our fee rates for E-Games stand at only 30% of GGR,” he added.

As a result, more operators have come under regulation, voluntary closures of businesses have been avoided, and the profits of licensed companies have been maintained. Also as a result of the said reforms, the E-Games sector reached its target of Php100 billion in GGR revenue as early as September 2024. Tengco also mentioned PAGCOR’s focus on more intensified “responsible gaming programs” to promote a “more sustainable and ethical gaming industry.”

“We wish to assure our industry stakeholders that even as we strive for greater success, responsible gaming and market integrity will continue to be at the heart of our efforts,” Tengco said.

The PAGCOR chief is also fully confident in the direction of the industry.

“The best days of Philippine gaming are still ahead of us, and we look forward to working with all of you to shape what comes next,” he said.

The ASEAN Gaming Summit, organized by Asian Gaming Brief, serves as a platform for industry leaders to discuss trends, challenges and new opportunities in the region’s gaming landscape.

Translated article.

 

The post Gaming industry earns Php410 B despite POGO ban – PAGCOR appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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UFC Announces NetBet as Official Sportsbook and Betting Partner in Europe

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UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, has announced a new marketing partnership with NetBet, a leading online gambling platform, as the Official Sportsbook and Betting Partner across UK, Ireland, Greece, Italy and Romania.

Beginning with UFC FIGHT NIGHT: EDWARDS vs. BRADY on Saturday, March 22nd live from The O2 in London, NetBet will have a presence in the world-famous Octagon®, on UFC’s international broadcast feed, and across digital and social platforms.

“As UFC continues to grow and expand across Europe, it’s great to bring on such a reputable betting partner who already has a strong, established UFC fanbase,” commented Nicholas Smith, TKO Senior Vice President and Head of International Business. “We couldn’t be kicking it off at a better time than with UFC FIGHT NIGHT: EDWARDS vs. BRADY, our marquee event this year in London, UK.”

“We are excited to become the European betting partner of UFC, uniting the adrenaline-pumping action of the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation with the elite betting experience our customers expect,” said NetBet CEO Marcel Prioteasa. “As we gear up for our biggest year yet in 2025, and with a loyal and growing MMA community, this partnership lets us bring fans even closer to the Octagon with exciting new ways to engage with the sport they enjoy.”

The post UFC Announces NetBet as Official Sportsbook and Betting Partner in Europe appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Atlaslive Receives Nominations at the Esteemed GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025

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Atlaslive is proud to announce that it has been nominated for multiple awards at the upcoming GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025, an esteemed recognition in the gaming and technology sectors.

As part of the provisional shortlist,   has demonstrated its leadership and creativity in an increasingly competitive market. Each nomination reflects their relentless pursuit of excellence and drive to innovate in the realms of sports betting and online casino experiences.

Atlaslive has been nominated in the following categories:

  • Best Sports Betting Provider in CEE. Atlaslive’s commitment to customer satisfaction and innovative features make it the premier choice for bettors in the region.
  • Rising Star in Sports Betting Technology in CEE. Atlaslive makes sports betting exciting with features like live betting and easy-to-read stats, showing they have what it takes to lead in the industry.
  • Best Online Casino Provider in CEE. Their commitment to quality and excellent customer service makes playing at Atlaslive a fun and safe experience for players across the region.
  • Rising Star in Online Casino Technology in CEE. Atlaslive’s professionals bring exciting games and smooth technology that keeps players engaged.

This acknowledgment underscores their commitment to excellence and innovation and their dedication to providing outstanding gaming solutions to their clients.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as a nominee in several prestigious categories at the GamingTECH CEE Awards,” said Lidiia Vakulenko, COO at Atlaslive. “This recognition is a testament to our team’s hard work, creativity, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the gaming industry. We remain dedicated to providing our users with cutting-edge technology and a seamless gaming experience.”

The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit will serve as a convergence point for industry leaders and innovators, offering a unique platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Attendees can expect insightful discussions and the opportunity to connect with industry peers.

As the awards process progresses, only attendees of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 will have the opportunity to vote for the final winners. This collaborative approach adds an element of excitement and community engagement, allowing those within the industry to shape the outcome of these renowned awards.

Atlaslive’s team encourages their supporters and industry colleagues to stay tuned for updates as they approach this exciting milestone.

This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.

 

About Atlaslive

Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.

The post Atlaslive Receives Nominations at the Esteemed GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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