MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Under his leadership, Entain recently partnered with Syntropy to upgrade its network and increase expansion into the metaverse through Ennovate Labs. The Web3 connectivity company will assist Entain with its decentralized autonomous routing protocol (DARP) that connects its centers worldwide.
Entain recently joined with a group of Brazilian and US operators to form the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) ahead of the nation’s regulation of “fixed odds betting,” scheduled for later this year.
The IBJR unites sports betting sector brands that will contribute to discussing and developing Brazil’s commercial gaming market. Through their combined efforts, contributing operators are live in more than 100 countries.
Overall, Entain is mainly known for its serial M&A strategy, having acquired firms such as Ladbrokes, Coral and Bwin over the years. It has continued that M&A strategy more recently, purchasing the likes of BetCity and esports firm Sportsflare.
In the US, Entain is the 50/50 owner with MGM Resorts of joint venture BetMGM.
EMPLOYMENT
As a gambling industry veteran, Gibson has held several executive and leadership roles during an extensive career. Prior to his current role, Gibson served as a Non-Executive Director at William Hill and represented bwin.party as a Senior Independent Director.
In addition to his experience in the gambling sector, Gibson has functioned as a key leader within the retail sector. Gibson previously served as the Group Retailing Director at BAA, Group Chief Executive of Littlewoods, Chairman of HomeServe, Non-Executive Chair of HomeServe and Harding Brothers Holdings.
He also worked for both Somerfield and National Express as a Non-Executive Director.
PRODUCTS LAUNCHED
During Gibson’s time with Entain, the company has taken steps to affirm responsible gaming and encourage problem gambling awareness and education.
Entain Foundation US and Intenta recently partnered to educate students around the country about mental health awareness and responsible gaming safety through a new campaign called #MindYourGame.
The campaign utilizes a growing interest in esports as an avenue to reach students. The campaign’s reach will extend to 40 states and more than 450 schools.
Entain described the purpose of the initiative in an official statement: “The #MindYourGame campaign will raise awareness about the benefits and opportunities of gaming and esports, including enhanced problem-solving, improved memory, greater engagement in STEM subjects and a myriad of career opportunities.
“The program will share safe play strategies to protect and improve students’ mental health and provide support pathways for anyone struggling with problematic gaming.”
“I am delighted to be joining at such an exciting point in its growth trajectory. I have been involved in a number of companies in the gambling sector over many years, and it is immediately clear to me GVC (now Entain) has industry-leading technology, products, brands, marketing capabilities and people. As such, I see enormous potential for this business and am looking forward very much to helping GVC, to be the most successful and responsible operator in the sector.” Barry Gibson