Industry News
Degree 53 founder launches new gambling technology business Sharp Gaming
Degree 53 founder, Andrew Daniels, has launched a brand new gambling technology business, Sharp Gaming. Sharp Gaming is an advanced platform which provides a full suite of operational services for sports betting and gaming businesses worldwide.
Andrew Daniels will take the role as the Chief Executive Officer at Sharp Gaming, stepping away from the day-to-day running of Degree 53. Andrew has appointed Richard Wagstaff as the new Managing Director at Degree 53, who has been supporting the team as Operations Director for the past four years. However, Andrew will still remain a director and shareholder at Degree 53.
Andrew Daniels received over £25m investment from the UK leading bookmaker owner, Fred Done, to create Sharp Gaming. The business stems from Degree 53, capitalising on the company’s vast knowledge of creating digital products for the online gambling industry.
In 2017, Degree 53 created a gaming division, which began the process of building the basis and recruiting specialists for Sharp Gaming. During this time, the new company has employed over 100 technology experts to support the large scale of work necessary to build the platform. Sharp Gaming continues to develop the technology suite and is currently trialling its capabilities on a test product. Once fully operational, it will offer extensive functionality to create digital and retail products, integrating third-party services, as well as improving the overall performance for operators.
At the same time, Degree 53 has been going strong, supporting existing clients and winning new business in gaming, finance, travel, utilities and wellbeing industries. The team have successfully created digital products for Hong Kong Jockey Club, French National Lottery (FDJ) and GBG, as well as continuing its partnership with Betfred. Degree 53 works with clients all over Europe, North America, Asia and the Caribbean, which is a testament to the team’s understanding of digital experiences on a global scale.
Andrew Daniels, Chief Executive Officer at Sharp Gaming comments: “The online gambling industry works on various legacy technology and white label platforms that lack flexibility for operators when they’re ready to scale up. This is why I created Sharp Gaming to help leading brands to improve their processes, and provide products that not only offer a great experience to their customers, but the end users in the business too.”
“Despite the current situation, I’m very excited to be launching Sharp Gaming and developing it into an industry-leading platform. The team’s effort to bring it to life and continue working on it remotely has been phenomenal. There are many more projects ahead and it’s only the beginning for us. I am also very happy to be leaving Degree 53 in the capable hands of Rich Wagstaff, who has been successfully running the business while I’ve been focusing on the platform.”
Richard Wagstaff, Managing Director at Degree 53 shares: “I am delighted to be stepping up to lead Degree 53. We have a talented team who are delivering amazing work for our clients. Our reputation for delivering complex, secure digital solutions in a way that delights end users has enabled us to produce high-quality work across a range of sectors. My focus will be on growing our reach, strengthening client relationships, and helping to improve their products and services through our expertise.”
The official launch of Sharp Gaming means that it will begin operating as a separate business, moving its employees over from Degree 53, including some of the directors. Both businesses will continue to operate from the same office and will work together across common projects.
Affiliate Industry
Gamblorium Enhances Casino Reviews with Updated Rating System

Gamblorium, a trusted online casino affiliate platform, announces its new and improved casino rating system. This updated system is designed to give players even more accurate and transparent rankings for online casinos. Since 2020, Gamblorium has been known for providing honest and expert-tested casino reviews. With this updated rating system, Gamblorium continues to ensure players can easily find the best gambling sites.
The new rating system combines three key components: Gamblorium Score, Player Score and Market Score. These scores are based on a 100-point scale, providing players with a clear and reliable way to choose casinos that meet their preferences.
Main features of Gamblorium’s new rating system:
• Gamblorium score: The Gamblorium Score evaluates casinos based on over 100 criteria, including payment methods, game options, security and user experience. Unlike other platforms, Gamblorium uses a relative and flexible approach, meaning casinos are ranked based on their strengths within their market. This score also incorporates Expert Scoring, ensuring that the most important factors are weighted appropriately.
• Player score: The Player Score is based on feedback from real users. Players can leave reviews only if they have registered or played at the casino, ensuring honest and up-to-date feedback. This makes the reviews highly reliable and reflective of the actual player experience.
• Market score: The Market Score helps balance the overall rating by considering the views of other trusted gambling platforms. This adds another layer of objectivity and ensures that Gamblorium’s reviews remain fair and unbiased.
The post Gamblorium Enhances Casino Reviews with Updated Rating System appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
PAGCOR chief honored at 2025 Asia Gaming Award

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco received on Tuesday, March 18, the inaugural Regulatory Landmark Award during this year’s Asia Gaming Awards at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La, The Fort in Taguig.
The Regulatory Landmark Award, a newly added category to the prestigious Asia Gaming Awards, was bestowed upon the PAGCOR chief for his significant contributions to the growth of the Philippine gaming industry.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Tengco acknowledged the efforts of the PAGCOR team and industry stakeholders, emphasizing that the recognition was a testament to their dedication, resilience, and commitment to regulatory excellence.
“This award reaffirms our efforts in fostering a well-regulated gaming sector in the Philippines,” he said. “It will serve as an inspiration for all of us to continue shaping an industry that is not only profitable but also ethical, sustainable, and beneficial to the communities we serve.”
Under Mr. Tengco’s leadership, the Philippine gaming industry posted a record-breaking gross gaming revenue (GGR) of Php410 billion in 2024 – a 25% increase from the previous year’s GGR.
Likewise, PAGCOR recorded unprecedented revenues of Php112 billion in 2024, a 41% growth year-on-year.
The Asia Gaming Awards, now on its fifth year, recognizes the achievements of key players and leaders in the gaming industry across the region.
The post PAGCOR chief honored at 2025 Asia Gaming Award appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
Gaming industry earns Php410 B despite POGO ban – PAGCOR

Despite the implemented ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), the gaming industry in the country continues to boom, according to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
In his keynote address at the ASEAN Gaming Summit in Manila, Tengco said the country’s Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) will rise to Php410 billion in 2024, up 25% from the Php329 billion GGR in 2023.
“As offshore gaming exits, PAGCOR recognizes that the future of Philippine gaming will continue to become more technology-driven,” he said. “This is why PAGCOR will continue to closely regulate electronic gaming while ensuring strict oversight to combat illegal operators.”
The PAGCOR chairman emphasized that while land-based casinos contributed Php201 billion—almost half of the total GGR in 2024—revenue from the E-Games and E-Bingo sector grew significantly, grossing Php154.51 billion, 165% higher than in 2023.
“We partly attribute the strong performance of the local gaming industry to the strategic policy adjustments that we have implemented, such as the gradual reduction of fee rates for E-Games since 2023,” Tengco’s explanation.
He said that in 2023, PAGCOR was charging 50% to 55% license fees which was an obstacle to the increase in operators. “But effective January 1, 2025, our fee rates for E-Games stand at only 30% of GGR,” he added.
As a result, more operators have come under regulation, voluntary closures of businesses have been avoided, and the profits of licensed companies have been maintained. Also as a result of the said reforms, the E-Games sector reached its target of Php100 billion in GGR revenue as early as September 2024. Tengco also mentioned PAGCOR’s focus on more intensified “responsible gaming programs” to promote a “more sustainable and ethical gaming industry.”
“We wish to assure our industry stakeholders that even as we strive for greater success, responsible gaming and market integrity will continue to be at the heart of our efforts,” Tengco said.
The PAGCOR chief is also fully confident in the direction of the industry.
“The best days of Philippine gaming are still ahead of us, and we look forward to working with all of you to shape what comes next,” he said.
The ASEAN Gaming Summit, organized by Asian Gaming Brief, serves as a platform for industry leaders to discuss trends, challenges and new opportunities in the region’s gaming landscape.
Translated article.
The post Gaming industry earns Php410 B despite POGO ban – PAGCOR appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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