Leading Video Game Commerce Company Secures Premium Sponsorship Presence At Key International Events

Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, announces a newly signed global partnership with Games Forum Limited to sponsor and exhibit at all upcoming Gamesforum events through 2025 and 2026. The strategic collaboration aligns with Xsolla’s mission to engage the global mobile game developer and publisher community through meaningful, in-person industry experiences.

As part of the agreement, Xsolla has committed to a comprehensive Global Sponsorship Package across nine Gamesforum events, spanning key gaming hubs in Europe, North America, and Asia. This initiative marks a continued investment in connecting with mobile gaming partners, fostering dialogue, and advancing commercial innovation in the game industry.

“Partnering with Gamesforum globally gives Xsolla a consistent platform to collaborate with mobile game developers, share insights, and accelerate growth across multiple regions,” said Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at Xsolla. “As one of five exclusive Global partners across the Gamesforum events, these in-person touchpoints are essential for building long-term industry relationships and showcasing how our solutions can drive success for developers and publishers of all sizes.”

Gamesforum’s regional focus and curated format make it an ideal environment for senior-level discussions and business development.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Xsolla as a global sponsor across our Gamesforum event series,” said Joe Squire, Head of Partnerships at Gamesforum. “Their commitment to the developer community and global presence makes them a natural fit for our focused, high-impact gatherings. We look forward to collaborating on content and experiences that resonate with our attendees.”

To learn more about Xsolla’s event initiatives and upcoming appearances, visit: xsolla.pro/gamesforum

Company Continues Investment in Globally Expanding Digital Lottery Business

Scientific Games, the world’s largest lottery games company, is bolstering its digital leadership team with the appointment of two seasoned executives, underscoring its continued investment in its globally expanding digital business.

Keshav Pitani joins Scientific Games as Senior Vice President, Digital Games, bringing extensive experience in content, product development and innovation. He previously served for seven years as Senior Director of Product Development for Bally Technologies until its acquisition by Scientific Games Corporation in 2014.

Laura Higgins has been named Vice President, Customer Success & Strategy for the Company’s global digital team. She brings more than 20 years of experience in e-commerce, general management, strategy, product, marketing and finance from leading companies such as Procter & Gamble, Shutterfly, Albertsons and Gartner.

“Our Digital team is experiencing strong momentum and we’re building an adaptable organization with a clear focus on the future,” said Matt Lynch, President, Digital for Scientific Games. “We are thrilled to welcome top-tier digital experts like Keshav Pitani and Laura Higgins. Their addition to our team reflects our continued investment in innovation, which is key to long-term sustainability for our lottery customers worldwide through consumer-centric digital programs.”

Pitani will lead Scientific Games’ digital games and SG Content Hub strategy, leveraging his expertise across digital game studios and partnerships to drive innovation and growth. A proven leader in managing creative and technology teams, Pitani has a strong background in developing game studios, delivering omnichannel content and designing scalable platforms. His prior accomplishments include playing a critical product strategy role in Scientific Games Corporation’s 2022 launch of Light & Wonder and the company’s successful entry into the U.S. and Canadian video lottery markets. Pitani has successfully launched creative digital and retail product verticals, designed a real-time AI product for high-speed casino play activity, and developed the satellite communication sub-system used in Boeing 737s and 747s.

Higgins spent most of her career identifying new growth opportunities in the consumer product goods, digital and ecommerce sectors, building and running new businesses. She has a proven track record of unlocking growth and loyalty through a deep understanding of customers and marketplaces. At Procter & Gamble, Higgins led the launch of several new consumer products as a Brand Director within Home Care. As General Manager of Category Expansion at Shutterfly, she drove new category development. Most recently, as Vice President of Shopper Engagement Platforms at Albertsons, she led a team that launched highly successful digital programs integrating retail consumer experiences and leveraging AI-powered assistant innovations.

Scientific Games is a trusted partner to more than 30 lotteries globally with iLottery solutions, including in the U.S., Canada, UK, Denmark, Germany, France and Turkey. With operations on five continents, the company provides retail and digital games, technology, analytics and services to 150 lotteries in 50 countries worldwide.

The Casino Guru Awards 2025 concluded in spectacular fashion last night, as nearly 150 distinguished guests gathered at the stunning Portomaso Suite, Hilton Hotel, to honor the changemakers shaping a safer and fairer future for online gambling.

From laughter echoing through the elegant venue to heartfelt applause for industry trailblazers, the atmosphere was vibrant and full of purpose. The night wasn’t just a gala, it was a statement. In her opening speech, Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Projects Director at Casino Guru, set the tone:

“The Casino Guru Awards are more than just trophies and titles. They’re a celebration of the people and companies who are truly moving the industry forward. The ones who choose to be responsible, innovative, and proactive in how they do business.”

Hosted by Martin Sepiano, the evening honored the winners in 10 categories, all evaluated through a radically transparent and values-driven process. And the winners are:

1. iGaming Changemaker of the Year: Ebbe Groes, CEO, EveryMatrix
2. Most Effective Handling of Complaints: Vulkan Vegas
3. Most Transparent Casino: OnlyWin Casino
4. Most Impactful Social Responsibility Initiative: Mindway AI
5. Fairest General Terms & Conditions: OnlyWin Casino
6. Fairest Bonus Policy: Wazbee Casino
7. Best Implementation of RG Tools (Operators): L&L Europe
8. Best Implementation of RG Tools (Providers): Mindway AI
9. Voice of the People – Public Vote: iWild Casino
10. Players’ Choice Casino – Public Vote: Pragmatic Play

Following the awards, the celebration continued at the glamorous Tiffany Lounge, where guests enjoyed cocktails, conversation, and music by DJ Luke Panza until late into the night.

The Awards stand apart for their credibility, with judges required to declare conflicts of interest, direct interviews with shortlisted nominees, and clear evaluation criteria. This year’s edition saw over 150,000 public votes in the “Voice of the People” category, reinforcing the Awards’ commitment to transparency and community-driven recognition.

“This night isn’t just about recognition, it’s about building momentum for lasting change,” added Sliva. “Seeing this room filled with leaders who care about integrity and fairness makes me hopeful for what’s next.”

With a powerful lineup of finalists, the Casino Guru Awards 2025 Gala reaffirmed that ethical innovation in iGaming isn’t just an ideal, it’s becoming a reality.