Latest News
IGT Announces Executive and Board Leadership Changes
International Game Technology PLC announced that on January 14, 2022 its board of directors implemented a number of changes to the Company’s executive team and board.
Lorenzo Pellicioli will retire as chairperson of the IGT Board of Directors and will remain a non-executive director. Marco Sala, currently CEO of IGT, will become executive chair of the board. Vincent Sadusky will become CEO and executive director of the board. These changes will be effective January 24, 2022.
In a separate release today, B&D Holding S.p.A., the controlling shareholder of De Agostini S.p.A., announced that Marco Sala will be proposed at the June 2022 meeting of the corporate bodies of De Agostini as the next CEO of De Agostini, succeeding Lorenzo Pellicioli, who is retiring from the position.
“The changes to the IGT executive team and board are an important step in positioning the Company for the next phase of its evolution. The actions further strengthen IGT’s capabilities to execute on its long-term strategy and the value creation initiatives identified in the Company’s recent investor day. It is a natural evolution for Marco to lead the IGT board. More importantly, during his 19-years at IGT and its predecessor companies, he has a proven track record of success and has earned the trust and respect of IGT’s customers, investors, business partners and regulators. As executive chair, Marco will focus on managing the board, corporate governance, including sustainability initiatives, and guiding the strategic direction of IGT.
“Likewise, we are delighted to announce that Vince Sadusky, a seasoned executive, long-time member of the current IGT board as well as that of its predecessor companies and the former chair of our audit committee will succeed Marco as CEO. Vince brings a unique set of skills to the role, where he combines his knowledge of IGT with his demonstrated ability to create shareholder value with decades in leadership roles in public and private companies in dynamic industries, including digital and media. His transition into the CEO role will be relatively seamless,” said Lorenzo Pellicioli, chairperson of IGT.
“I am looking forward to taking on the new role of executive chair at IGT and to partner with Vince, with whom I have worked extensively over the years, in leading IGT forward. I believe our skills and experiences are complementary and will serve our stakeholders well. In particular, Vince’s vast experience with portfolio companies and capital markets will be valuable as we look to execute on our strategy,” said Marco Sala, CEO of IGT.
“IGT is well-positioned for the future, and I am very excited to join the Company as its next CEO. With a seasoned executive team and very talented group of employees across the world, it represents a great opportunity for me to support an industry leader in the next phase of its growth,” said Vincent Sadusky.
The board of directors also appointed Maria Pinelli and Ashley Hunter as non-executive directors of the board. Ms. Hunter was also appointed to the Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Ms. Pinelli was appointed chair of the Company’s Audit Committee, replacing Vincent Sadusky. These changes were effective January 14, 2022.
“We are delighted to have Maria and Ashley join our board. They both bring deep and diverse professional experiences to IGT to enhance our board composition. We are looking forward to their contributions,” said Lorenzo Pellicioli, chairperson of IGT.
Executive & Director Biographies
Lorenzo Pellicioli served as chairperson of the IGT Board of Directors from November, 2018 to January, 2022 after serving as vice-chairperson since April 2015. From August 2006 to April 2015, he was chairperson of the GTECH S.p.A. (formerly Lottomatica Group) Board of Directors. He has served as CEO of De Agostini S.p.A. since November 2005. He has also served as a director of IDeA Alternative Investments S.p.A. and as managing director of DeA Factor S.p.A. Mr. Pellicioli serves as chairman of the board of directors of DeA Capital, as a director of Banijay Group SAS and LDH SAS, and he is also a member of the compensation committee and of the appointments and corporate governance committee and director of the board of directors of Assicurazioni Generali.
Marco Sala was CEO of IGT from April, 2015 to January, 2022. In addition to serving on the board of directors for IGT in his role as CEO, in May 2020 he was appointed to the board of directors for De Agostini S.p.A. Prior to April 2015, he served as CEO of GTECH S.p.A. (formerly Lottomatica Group) since April 2009 and was responsible for overseeing all of the Company’s segments including the Americas, international, Italy, and products and services. He joined the Company as co-general manager in 2003 and has since served as a member of the board of directors. In August 2006, he was appointed managing director with responsibility for the Company’s Italian operations and other European activities. Previously, he was CEO of Buffetti, Italy’s leading office equipment and supply retail chain. Prior to Buffetti, Sala served as head of the business directories division for SEAT Pagine Gialle. Earlier in his career, he worked at Magneti Marelli (a Fiat Group company) and Kraft Foods.
Vincent Sadusky was CEO and board member of Univision Communications from 2018 to 2020, the largest Hispanic media company in the US, operating multiple broadcast and cable networks, local TV and radio stations, digital video and audio streaming. Prior to Univision, he was CEO and board member from 2014 to 2017 of Media General, a local TV station and digital media company with more than 50 TV stations and 5,000 employees. From 2006 to 2014, he was CEO and board member of LIN Media, a local TV station broadcaster and digital media company. He also served as CFO of LIN Media from 2004 to 2006 and was CFO of Telemundo Communications from 1999 to 2004. In addition to serving on the IGT board of directors since 2010 and most recently chairing its audit committee, Sadusky has served on the boards of the Paley Center for Media, the National Association of Broadcasters and was the treasurer for the NBC Affiliates Board. Earlier in his career, he worked at Ernst & Young, and co-founded JVB Financial Group and Zeus Financial, fixed-income securities trading firms.
Maria Pinelli is a global C-suite executive who currently serves as a member of the board of directors for Globant and board director and chair of the audit committee for Archer Aviation, Inc. and Clarim Acquisition Corp. She served in a variety of leadership roles at EY from October, 1986 to November, 2020, including consumer products and retail leader, global vice chair – strategic growth markets, global IPO leader, and Americas leader – strategic growth markets. In her role as an advisor at EY, she successfully led more than 20 IPOs in four different countries and more than 25 M&A transactions worldwide. Her experience includes strategic transactions and due diligence advice, Sarbanes-Oxley implementation and stakeholder management. She has served as an advisor to some of the world’s most iconic e-commerce, consumer products, and retail brands.
Ashley Hunter has been a lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin School of Information since 2015, and is the founding partner of A. Hunter & Company, a leading risk management advisory firm. Previously she was managing director of HM Risk Group LLC where she assisted many startups and corporations with alternative risk transfer schemes and reinsurance placement, globally. Under her leadership, HM Risk Group became a leader in the development of niche insurance products for the sharing and assistive reproductive technology industry. Prior to founding HM Risk Group in 2006, she worked in various claims and underwriting management positions for State Farm Insurance Companies, The Hartford Insurance Company and AIG Insurance Company.
By Lorenzo Nardini, Head of Technical Compliance and Maths Services
In the dynamic world of online gaming, data plays a pivotal role. Databases containing personal and financial information, often referred to as “Safe” databases, serve as the backbone of any gaming platform.
In this short article, I focus on control databases (CDBs) – that is how Safe databases are referred to in the Dutch landscape – and why it is important to ensure their completeness, accuracy, and consistency through continuous data quality review. In any case, the topics here covered apply to most regulated markets.
Control databases contain critical information related to player accounts, financial transactions, game rules, and security protocols. Essentially, they ensure the smooth functioning of the entire gaming ecosystem. It is no wonder that the Dutch regulator (KSA) enforces specific technical regulations on them and often perform audits on these systems that can result also in fines in cases errors are detected.
Data quality review checks
Data quality review checks play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of control databases, ensuring continuous compliance. Here are some key reasons why they are essential:
- Accuracy and Consistency: Control databases handle vast amounts of data, including player profiles, game logs, and financial records. Ensuring accurate and consistent data is crucial for fair gameplay, financial transparency, and regulatory compliance.
- Player Experience: Imagine a player losing progress due to a database glitch or loss of connectivity. Such incidents can lead to frustration and loss of trust. Data quality checks ensure that the control database is correctly functional, and the information therein contained can be used to handle such incomplete games, enhancing the overall player experience.
- Regulatory Compliance: Gaming companies must adhere to strict regulations regarding data privacy, security, and fairness. Regular reviews ensure compliance with industry standards and legal requirements.
Most importantly, regular reviews can help gaming companies reducing the risk of an unsuccessful audit that could typically lead to a fine and negative PR.
Ideally, data quality reviews should be ongoing. Real-time monitoring is crucial for identifying issues promptly. Additionally, scheduled audits—monthly or quarterly—help catch any long-term discrepancies or trends.
Key areas of data quality reviews
When performing checks on the quality of CDBs, the following are the main areas to consider:
- Data Completeness: Ensure that all necessary fields are populated correctly. Missing or incomplete data can lead to errors downstream.
- Data Accuracy: Cross-check data against reliable sources. For example, player balances should match financial records.
- Data Consistency: Verify consistency across different databases and systems. Inconsistencies can cause confusion and operational inefficiencies.
Starting from the specific Dutch case and then expanding to other markets, here at ComplianceOne Group we have developed a data quality review service using our experience in dealing with this form of analysis. Leveraging feedback obtained directly from regulators, we created a testing procedure that performs the following:
- Tests on triggering reports from staging environment. We access the client’s staging environment with test accounts and perform actions that are aimed at triggering specific reports in the control database. We then check that these have been correctly generated and that they contain all necessary information, checking their accuracy against the back-office.
- Data quality tests on production environment. We download a large number of reports directly from production and run a battery of tests that we have designed and that is tailored specifically at checking completeness and consistency of the information contained in the control database.
All findings are promptly reported to the client and, if needed, we can assist with solving any issues found.
Conclusion
When I started being exposed to control databases, I understood that for many this is a very technical area and that maintaining this environment functioning correctly can be quite cumbersome. Nevertheless, a commitment to data quality is a necessary for ensuring continuous compliance of gaming platforms. If you are interested in running regular data quality reviews, or even just a one-time overall check, contact me and I will be happy to assist!
The post The Importance of Data Quality Review Checks in the Gaming Industry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
7777 gaming, a leading provider of digital gaming solutions, has announced a significant strategic partnership with Scientific Games a global leader in retail and digital lottery games, technology, analytics and services, to deliver digital lottery games through the SG Content Hub Partner Program.
The SG Content Hub Partner Program is a unique platform and game content partnership program featuring an expanding, highly curated selection of iLottery games from best-in-class, game studios worldwide in a variety of play styles appealing to all player types in multiple languages, as well as access to select licensed properties from the largest licensed brands portfolio in the lottery industry. Scientific Games currently serves 150 lotteries in 50 countries.
Elena Shaterova, Chief Commercial Officer at 7777 gaming, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Partnering with Scientific Games represents a significant milestone for 7777 gaming, solidifying our position as a global leader in digital lottery solutions. Through this collaboration, we are poised to deliver unparalleled gaming experiences to players worldwide, driving innovation and growth in the lottery industry.”
Steve Hickson, VP of Digital Games at Scientific Games commented: “We are delighted to welcome yet another top-class lottery game studio to the SG Content Hub Partner Program. The addition of 7777 gaming and their fantastic games aligns perfectly with our goal to make a variety of digital lottery content available to existing and new Scientific Games customers. Our SG Content Hub Partner Program is developing at pace as we continue to provide our customers with frictionless access to the very best content in the industry.”
The SG Content Hub Partner Program offers a one-stop solution for accessing multiple iLottery game studios, seamlessly integrating with a lottery’s existing gaming systems and iLottery technology. It streamlines operations, simplifies tech integrations, and enhances data analytics to drive game development and iLottery portfolio management.
7777 gaming is renowned for its ability to deliver high-quality iLottery games tailored to the unique requirements of different lotteries. The company ensures that its game content meets stringent government regulations and operators’ expectations for customization. With custom-made lottery concepts, 7777 gaming guarantees enhanced player satisfaction and fosters a deeper sense of connection and loyalty to the brand.
The post 7777 gaming signs a strategic iLottery content deal with Scientific Games appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Atlas-IAC’s CEO Maxim Slobodyanyuk Talks Winning Strategies & Vision for Future Growth in the iGaming Sector
Atlas-IAC, a Next-Generation iGaming platform, has been recognized as the Best Sports Betting Provider Of The Year and Rising Star In Sports Betting Technology at the Prague Gaming & Tech Awards 2024. The GamingTECH Awards annually determine industry excellence in Central and Eastern Europe. Maxim Slobodyanyuk, CEO of Atlas-IAC, tells about insights into Atlas-IAC’s innovative solutions that are reshaping the iGaming landscape and the core principles of partnership driving mutual evolution for both Atlas-IAC and its esteemed operators.
Congratulations on winning “Best Sports Betting Provider Of The Year” and “Rising Star In Sports Betting Technology” at the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2024! How does Atlas-IAC feel about receiving such prestigious recognition?
We take pride in being acknowledged as the best sports betting provider and the rising star in sports betting technology across Central and Eastern Europe. At the heart of our success lies a team of exceptional visionaries, developers, and business analytics striving to elevate the industry to new heights of technological innovation and responsible gaming practices.
I’d like to thank our great partners for choosing Atlas-IAC as their technology provider, and for subscribing to our core business principle — to evolve and grow together. Our win is our partners’ win as well.
To be the best sports betting provider entails a weighty responsibility, one we approach with unwavering dedication. These awards serve as a validation of our unwavering commitment to excellence and as a catalyst for renewed determination to shape the future of sports betting technology. We are grateful for recognition and remain resolutely committed to charting new horizons of success alongside our valued partners.
Could you provide insights into the strategies that drove Atlas-IAC’s success in the iGaming industry?
At Atlas-IAC, our success strategy revolves around building strong partnerships and establishing a notable presence in the competitive global entertainment technology market. We prioritize automation, which gives us an edge in emerging markets and allows us to onboard partners quickly and streamline operations.
Continuously improving our platform to offer a seamless Sportsbook API experience is a priority. Our aim is to deliver fast performance, smooth betting experiences, real-time risk management, advanced anti-fraud measures, and scalable solutions for partners worldwide.
Staying up-to-date, enhancing our product, analyzing market and partner needs, and proactively responding to them are essential. Being the top technological partner is a strategy that consistently works for us.
How does Atlas-IAC’s in-house developed Sportsbook differentiate itself from competitors?
Atlas-IAC’s in-house developed Sportsbook sets us apart because we have full control over its features and can make rapid improvements. Features like Personal Odds Boost and Clever Margin allow for customized experiences tailored to our partners’ needs. We focus on personalization, ensuring the product aligns perfectly with each operator’s requirements. With a skilled team dedicated to our partners’ needs, we can promptly address requests and deliver effective solutions.
Atlas-IAC offers one of the most automated Sportsbook available in the market. How does automation enhance the experience for both operators and users?
Our fully automated Sportsbook API is efficient and user-friendly, enhancing engagement and retention. It’s equipped to handle high demand periods effectively and offers tools for precise betting management and reliable results. We can swiftly develop and integrate custom modules for partners, giving us a competitive edge. We prioritize meeting partners’ needs while delivering enjoyable experiences for players, fostering mutual benefit for all involved.
What specific features or tools have been well-received by operators in the iGaming industry?
In the realm of iGaming, Atlas-IAC has garnered recognition for its remarkable adaptability and keen responsiveness to the requirements of our partners. Understanding the distinctive needs of each operator, we have crafted a tailored approach to ensure effective solutions.
One specific example of our successful tools is our Cashback feature, which serves as a versatile tool for promoting sporting events and enhancing player entertainment. This feature offers customizable settings based on specific sports, events, odds criteria, and frequency. With such flexibility, operators can effectively incentivize participation and elevate excitement levels among players.
In essence, the suite of features and tools offered by Atlas-IAC not only addresses the diverse needs of operators but also fuels engagement and growth within the iGaming industry.
What are Atlas-IAC’s goals for continued innovation and growth in the iGaming sector?
Looking ahead, our primary aim is to continually push the boundaries of innovation while delivering outstanding value to our partners. We remain steadfast in our commitment to leading the charge in the iGaming sector, fostering sustainable growth, and championing responsible gaming practices. Our strategy revolves around staying agile, adapting to emerging trends, and catering to the unique needs of operators worldwide.
The evolving sports betting landscape of 2024 underscores the critical importance of adaptability and innovation. Operators must navigate this dynamic environment marked by technological advancements and regulatory shifts, and Atlas-IAC stands ready to assist them in this endeavor.
In terms of market focus, we are meticulously evaluating opportunities in LATAM, Eastern Europe, South-East Asia, and Africa. These regions offer significant growth potential, and our tailored strategy is geared towards effectively meeting the unique demands of these diverse markets.
The post Atlas-IAC’s CEO Maxim Slobodyanyuk Talks Winning Strategies & Vision for Future Growth in the iGaming Sector appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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