Game Nation, the UK high street gaming retailer continues to invest in its’ management team with the addition of two experienced executives.

Gary Bennett (right), who has accumulated a wealth of in-depth gaming industry experience including business acquisition joins the company as Chief Financial Officer. In a distinguished industry career Gary has worked for brands including Walkers Bingo, Top Ten Bingo and most recently the Real Fun Group.

The second addition to the Game Nation team has seen Steve Cook (left) join as Compliance and Machine Support Manager. Steve is in his fourth decade working across the leisure, gaming, family entertainment centre and holiday park sectors in a variety of roles ranging from a bingo floor checker to a gaming machines controller.

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Welcoming the duo to the Game Nation family CEO Mark Jepp said: “Effective recruitment is not simply about hiring the best qualified people but more about hiring the best qualified candidates who also share the same values and personality of the brand. Both Gary and Steve know this sector extremely well but as importantly they have an outlook and a work ethic which are inspiring and infectious in equal measure. Gary’s experience of acquiring gaming businesses will be crucial in helping us to drive the brand as we expand our footprint and grow market share.”

GR8 Tech welcomes Edward Smyshliaiev as the new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The organizational change strengthens the company’s high-performance tech leadership and platform innovation.

With over two decades of experience in software engineering, AI, machine learning, and large-scale digital transformation, Edward has a proven track record of turning complex challenges into scalable solutions.

“Joining GR8 Tech at the present moment fills me with immense enthusiasm. I am really impressed by the company’s innovative mindset and its ability to see clearly into the future. I’m excited to work with the exceptional and gr8 team to redefine the limits of what is feasible and determined to provide unparalleled technological solutions that will empower our clients and disrupt the industry,” said Edward Smyshliaiev.

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As CTO, Edward will focus on building strong teams, streamlining development, and enhancing GR8 Tech’s architecture to support global growth. He’ll gradually take over key areas such as platform, information security, and technical governance, ensuring the platform delivers high value to partners.

Artur Ashyrov, who previously shared the roles of Deputy CEO and CTO, will now focus on operational leadership while continuing to drive technology forward through GR8 Tech’s internal Innovation Sprint—a company-wide initiative to boost tech-savviness and ignite a culture of innovation across teams.

“As I step into a broader strategic focus, I’m excited to support Edward in driving GR8 Tech’s product innovation from a leadership position rooted in tech. It’s a natural evolution for a company building the future of B2B platforms,” said Ashyrov.

Extended partnership announced ahead of next week’s Unity Cup tournament in London

Leading African sportsbook Bet9ja has renewed its support for the Nigeria national team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bet9ja collaborated with Nigerian Football Federation partners Sportdotcom for AFCON 2023 to launch the first ‘Let’s Do It Again’ campaign – in reference to the fact Nigeria are hunting for their fourth continental title.

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The partnership has now been extended for AFCON 2025 after Nigeria booked their place at the tournament, which kicks off in Morocco in December. The Super Eagles have been drawn alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C of the tournament.

The announcement comes ahead of next week’s Unity Cup tournament, in which Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago will go head to head at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. The tournament sees semi-final matches on May 27 and May 28, ahead of the final on May 31.

Bet9ja is Nigeria’s leading sportsbook and is powered by Logifuture, global leader in B2B operations providing state-of-the-art iGaming products and services.

Bet9ja chairman Kunle Soname said: “We’re proud to renew our support for the Super Eagles as they ramp up their preparations for another tilt at the AFCON title. After lifting the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013 we’re backing them to go all the way again – Let’s Do It Again for 2025!

“Football is a unifying force across Africa and our partnership reflects our deep commitment to the game, the fans, and the future of Nigerian sport. This renewed partnership is about more than just brand alignment – it’s about national pride and shared ambition.

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“By supporting the Super Eagles once again, Bet9ja aims to rally fans across Nigeria and beyond, reigniting the spirit of belief and unity that football brings to the nation.”

Toyosi Oyetunji, Senior Partner at Sportdotcom Limited, said: “At Sportdotcom, we are proud to once again partner with Bet9ja on the Let’s Do It Again campaign for the Super Eagles as they head to AFCON 2025 in Morocco. The buzz we created together during the last tournament was only the beginning. This time, we’re taking it to the next level – with more energy, more passion, and an unshakable belief in our team. As the Super Eagles chase a historic fourth title, we’re rallying Nigerians everywhere to dream big and stand united. Let’s Do It Again… Naija 4 the win!”