SEP OCT 2021
Editor's Letter
As the industry prepares for the first non-virtual Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in two years, gaming is bracing itself for its biggest gathering since the Covid-19 pandemic began. And, although there are fears of Las Vegas regressing into greater social distancing measures, G2E really couldn't come at a more opportune time for our sector.
While online gaming has simply gone from strength to strength, it might even be the time to ask the following question of the land-based industry: given the success of US casinos since they reopened, are 2020's losses actually going to be evened out by 2021's success?
It might be a touch premature to arrive at that particular conclusion, especially with the spectre of the pandemic still looming large, but please let no one fool you: US gaming is absolutely thriving right now.
The reasons? Pent-up demand is one, for sure. The buzz generated by sports betting is another, without doubt. But it would be remiss of us not to put forward another factor: the leadership of organisations and individuals that have pushed forward unabated with new technology, new marketing and new ways of doing business. One such new (but not really new) method is going public via a SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company). It's a topic we've covered before but, with the help of industry titans Matt Davey, Matt Sodl and Jason Ader, it's one we revisit in depth in this issue's cover feature.
Elsewhere, we preview the G2E show itself, while also speaking with some of the industry's leading women: Grainne Hurst of Entain and Martina Åkerlund, CEO of Triggy AB. Parimatch Founder Katerina Belorusskaya is another leader to feature in our September/October edition, while some of our regular columnists are at their nest: the likes of Alex Czajkowski, Paul Sculpher, Ranjana Adhikari, Nick Hill and more.
We've additionally got our finger on the pulse in our Big Question and Roundtable features, where we address the growing link between online and land-based - from two opposing angles. Our Final Word, meanwhile, goes to Evolution, which is only fair given the market dominance the supplier is enjoying. Je Millar, the company's North America Commercial Director, speaks about Evolution's plans not just in the US but Canada, where the potential is seemingly endless.
A Truly Special Occasion
The Global Gaming Awards London return to the Hippodrome Casino next year, after a year of virtuality
Two New Additions
We preview the upcoming Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas, with two new categories to speak of
SPACS VS. IPOS
Tim Poole weighs up the common choice facing gaming firms going public: SPAC or IPO? Investment specialists Matt Davey, Matt Sodl and Jason Ader provide the expert analysis, as we assess which truly is the king of the M&A jungle
G2E 2021: The Return of the Full House
With the American Gaming Association (AGA) having formally announced the return of The Global Gaming Expo (G2E) for 2021, Gambling Insider sheds some light on what to expect from the wonders of the mammoth tradeshow
In Front of the Curve
Alex Leese speaks to Tim Poole on the GI Huddle about his gaming industry journey so far, life as a CEO and his vision for expanding Pronet Gaming
Big Question
How important is bricks and mortar for digital gaming growth in the US?
Worth the Investment
Regular Gambling Insider contributor Alex Czajkowski shares some of his marketing and iGaming expertise on two on-trend topics: a stable alt-coin solely for iGaming; and CRM in the 21st century
Methods in Motherhood
Grainne Hurst, described as the 'mother of Changing for the Bettor,’ speaks to Gambling Insider about comparisons between Government and gambling, and the growing accolades of women as gaming industry professionals
The Qualities that Matter
Parimatch Tech Founder Katerina Belorusskaya gives honest and refreshing answers in discussion with Tim Poole, as she addresses her changing role at the company, the future of the operator and the success of female executives within gaming
A Smart Bet for Responsible Gaming?
Regular Gambling Insider contributor Nick Hill proffers the benefits of putting the player journey on blockchain
Time Spent Playing
Regular Gambling Insider contributor Paul Sculpher asks whether time played should be considered a key metric in the quest to make gambling safer
Transitioning to An Omni-Channel Supply
Industry leaders from GiG, BetConstruct, Yggdrasil and EveryMatrix discuss making the transition to an omni-channel supply, in an attempt to function successfully in the current climate, with Peter Lynch
A Culture of ‘Sameness’
Alex Thomson, RVP EMEA, Quantum Metric, discusses moving away from a homogenous ecosystem in online gambling
The Golden Days of Betting
From running a company in the sports betting industry to running marathons, Martina Åkerlund is a woman like no other. The CEO of Stockholm-based sports tech company Triggy speaks with Gambling Insider
National Lottery: Time for Change?
Amit Lakhani, Investment Director of Zeal Ventures, discusses the race to land the fourth UK National Lottery licence – and why a refresh might be in order
The Modern Poker Player
The resurgence of poker is steadily on the horizon as Covid-19 restrictions ease. Can this year compete with the boom of the 2000s? Gambling Insider speaks with PokerMatch CEO Ruslan Bangert, on how best to attract the “modern player”
Affiliate focus: The Cutting Edge
Tim Booker, Chief Technology Officer at Mr-Gamble, says affiliates must see themselves as technology businesses if they are to deliver the experience users are seeking
Collaboration Must Come First
Oliver Lamb, SVP Product Compliance, Kambi, believes unity – not rivalry – is needed in the battle for sporting integrity
Raising the Game
Karin Beumer, Business Development Manager, EM Group, discusses the Malta-based company's compliance and corporate services, especially when targeting the Netherlands market
Remote-first Growth
Adam Rowley, Managing Director of RavenTrack, discusses the company’s new website, how the pandemic has impacted day-to-day business, and plans and ambitions for the three years ahead
A Matter of Psychology
PST Bespoke Furniture Commercial Director Gareth Treharne speaks to Gambling Insider about adapting to the pandemic, company plans and the perfect casino chair
Innovation vs. Novelty
Jeff Millar, Commercial Director of North America, Evolution, discusses 2022, the supplier’s position within the US market, and new studios and games moving forward
What’s Brewing for the Indian Gaming Industry?
Ranjana Adhikari & Shashi Shekhar Misra, Partner and Associate at IndusLaw respectively, offer a round-up of the latest regulatory updates in the Indian gaming market
