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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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GGPoker Launches Online Poker Millionaires – A New Docuseries Showcasing The High-Stakes Online Poker World Of GGPoker

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Online Poker Millionaires Episode 1 to premiere on GGPoker’s YouTube channel this Wednesday, November 12

GGPoker, the World’s Biggest Poker Room, is excited to launch Online Poker Millionaires, a new docuseries that takes viewers inside the world of high-stakes online poker. The series trailer will go live on GGPoker’s official YouTube channel on Monday, November 10, with Episode 1 featuring Alex Theologis made available on Wednesday, November 12.

Series Description

Online Poker Millionaires is produced in association with POKERfilms and reveals how the game’s most dedicated players turn a laptop, ambition, and discipline into real financial success. Online poker isn’t just a game – for some, it can be a path to financial success, where real money and real careers are built at GGPoker.

Each episode follows a different high-stakes player, uncovering the mindset, routines, and drive required to compete for life-changing prizes from behind the screen. The debut episode features Alex Theologis – a GGMillion$ and WSOP champion with over $9 million in GGPoker tournament earnings – offering an unfiltered look at the grind, preparation, and passion that define one of online poker’s most respected professionals.

Launch Week Schedule

  • Monday, November 10 at 17:00 UTC | 12:00 EST: Official Trailer Launch on GGPoker’s YouTube Channel: YouTube.com/@GGPoker
  • Tuesday, November 11: GGMillion$ live broadcast – Alex Theologis joins Jeff Gross as guest commentator at 18:15 UTC
  • Wednesday, November 12 at 17:00 UTC | 12:00 EST: Online Poker Millionaires Episode 1 Premiere exclusively on GGPoker’s YouTube Channel
  • Thursday, November 13: Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) with Alex Theologis on r/poker, discussing the making of the episode and his online poker journey

“Online poker let me build a life I never thought was possible when I started out,” said Alex Theologis, online poker professional. “It’s tough sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade this job for anything. I just want people who watch Online Poker Millionaires to get a real, honest look at what it means to be a professional player.”

Mike Bailey, Director of Online Poker Millionaires, added: “When GGPoker approached me to create Online Poker Millionaires, I felt empowered; I wanted to show viewers the real people living real lives behind the monitors. These high-stakes pros may not care for the limelight, but I felt it was important to be able to highlight the talent and dedication that goes on behind closed doors on a daily basis.”

To be ready to catch every moment of the upcoming Online Poker Millionaires, please subscribe to GGPoker’s official YouTube channel at GGPoker.TV.

The post GGPoker Launches Online Poker Millionaires – A New Docuseries Showcasing The High-Stakes Online Poker World Of GGPoker appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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19 Nations Set to Compete in MLBB at The World Esports Championships 2025 in Malaysia

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The International Esports Federation (IESF) proudly announces the 19 nations set to compete in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) at the 16th World Esports Championships (WEC25), hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This year’s MLBB competitions will see teams from Egypt, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Iran, Türkiye, Belarus, Romania, Uzbekistan, and host nation Malaysia come together in the spirit of unity, passion, and competition.

From South America to Central Asia, and from Europe to Southeast Asia, the World Esports family will once again gather under one banner, celebrating the values that define the IESF: inclusivity, integrity, and the joy of play.

“Each year, the World Esports Championships bring together athletes and fans who share the same dream, to connect, to compete, and to grow,” said Boban Totovski, IESF General Secretary. “We’re proud to see Mobile Legends: Bang Bang continue to bridge cultures and inspire players around the world. Malaysia will be an incredible stage for this year’s competition.”

The WEC25 MLBB tournament will shine a spotlight on both rising stars and champions, with every nation bringing its own story, its own energy, and its own pride to the world stage.

As the host country, Malaysia is ready to welcome the world with open arms, offering a unique blend of culture, passionate fans, and an esports scene that continues to grow year after year. WEC25 will once again prove that esports is more than a game, it’s a moment where nations unite, athletes rise, and communities grow stronger together.

The post 19 Nations Set to Compete in MLBB at The World Esports Championships 2025 in Malaysia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Sterling Lotteries selects Yaspa as its primary open banking payments partner

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Yaspa, the award-winning Pay by Bank fintech, today announced a new partnership with Sterling Lotteries, the UK’s market-leading External Lottery Manager (ELM). Sterling has selected Yaspa as its primary open banking payments provider for prize-led fundraising, enabling faster, safer, and more efficient supporter payments across its charity lottery programmes.

Sterling powers weekly lotteries and raffles for 800+ UK charities, from local organisations to national causes. By integrating Yaspa, Sterling can offer a streamlined Pay by Bank experience that confirms entries in real-time, reduces processing costs, and strengthens fraud protection, thereby freeing up more funds for impact.

Yaspa’s Head of Commercial, Amie Kadhim, said: “Sterling sets a high bar for reliability, security, and supporter experience. We’re proud to power their next chapter with instant bank payments that help charities move faster, enhance engagement, and achieve more with every donation.”

The partnership aligns with Sterling’s ongoing modernisation of the charity lottery model, bringing the convenience supporters expect, while improving cashflow and operational efficiency for fundraising teams. Entry confirmation is immediate and funds settle instantly, helping charities plan with confidence and reduce admin overheads.

Richard Dixon, Managing Director at Sterling, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Yaspa to deliver an open banking solution that represents a true sector-first innovation. From the outset, it was clear that Yaspa shares Sterling’s vision for using technology to drive meaningful change in the charity lottery space. Open banking has transformed retail and financial services and now we’re bringing that same innovation to fundraising. It’s faster, more secure, and significantly more cost-effective for charities. By harnessing open banking, we offer charities a bold, efficient, and future-proof way to engage supporters, especially digital-first donors who expect a seamless experience.”

Key benefits for Sterling and its charity partners include:

  • Instant payment settlement and immediate entry confirmation

  • Lower processing costs compared with traditional methods i.e. debit and credit cards

  • Reduced fraud and chargeback risk, utilising bank-grade security

  • A smoother, mobile-first, user journey for supporters

The post Sterling Lotteries selects Yaspa as its primary open banking payments partner appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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