Simon Collins has stepped down from his role as managing director of Betting & Gaming at News UK, after deciding to return to the start up space.

Collins was appointed MD for the British newspaper publisher’s gaming division in November 2019, where he oversaw brands including The Sun’s fantasy football game Dream Team, Sun Bingo and the Sun Racing.

He co-founded online gaming supplier Gaming Realms in 2018, and founded Cashcade more than 20 years ago, which was better known as the owner of Foxy Bingo.

The Sun general manager Jo Bucci, will oversee the news brand’s betting and gaming division after Collins’ departure, with the portfolio also including Sun Vegas, Sun Win and Sun Play.

Bucci will also takeover the role of running Dream Team, which is the UK’s largest commercial fantasy football game, with more than one million unique players.

Speaking on his departure, Collins said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at News UK. It’s been a pleasure to work with such a talented team to develop some of the most popular gaming products in the UK environment - from Dream Team to Sun Bingo.

“That said, my roots - and my heart - lay in the start up space, and the lure of the new opportunities there was just too strong.”

Wireless CEO Scott Taunton, added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Simon for his hard work and entrepreneurialism over the last year. Simon has led the Betting & Gaming team during an important phase, focusing on new product development alongside driving strong revenues in this space.”