Industry News
GiG Delivers Statement of Intent by Appointing Andrew Cochrane as New Chief Business Officer for Platform and Sportsbook

Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) has announced former SBTech and DraftKings executive Andrew Cochrane (pictured) as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO) for Platform and Sportsbook, marking a significant step in the tech providers’ ambitious growth plans.
A prominent and highly respected figure within the industry, Andrew brings to GiG a wealth of experience at delivering commercial successes, having played pivotal roles in SBTech’s impressive revenue growth and establishing DraftKings’ preeminent position as market leaders across the United States. Andrew is renowned in the industry as a customer relations expert, engaging with tier-1 and lottery operators and personally spearheading numerous high-profile contracts that have fueled revenue growth in both new and mature regulated markets.
Teaming up alongside GiG’s newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer for Platform and Sportsbook, Richard Carter, for a second time, the pair will look to power growth for GiG’s innovative product suite with new partnerships in growth markets worldwide and to cement its position as a market leader for turnkey solutions.
Andrew will be responsible for the implementation of GiG’s commercial strategies across its full complement of award-winning iGaming platform, sportsbook and AI-anchored solutions including business development, marketing, partnerships and corporate development. His initial focus will concentrate on bringing some of the industry’s brightest and best talent to GiG to help unlock the opportunities within its global addressable markets.
Focused to deliver higher player acquisition and retention, GiG’s innovative, feature-lead AI stack currently powers over 60 brands in some of the most complex markets worldwide and has been gathering considerable praise from across the industry. This positive momentum being reinforced by its headline ‘Full service platform’ and ‘Multi-channel supplier’ successes at the 2023 EGR global B2B awards earlier this year.
“Having collaborated with him in previous endeavours, I am delighted that we have Andrew onboard to help propel our commercial efforts to unprecedented heights,” Carter said. “His previous record speaks for itself and the appointment marks a significant coup for the business, helping us to realise the enormous potential we have here at GiG.”
“This is an extremely exciting time to be joining GiG,” Cochrane said. “I have already been highly impressed with the ambitious plans in place and, in its capacity for raising the bar, building innovative and best-in-class solutions. Having been part of teams that have delivered significant results within online gaming and with the promise of further investment to continue to strengthen our offering, I have similar optimism for success at GiG. We’re on the cusp of delivering something really special so you can expect to hear a lot more about us over the coming months.”
Industry News
CasinoWebScripts Enables Direct Provider Connections and Eliminates the Need for Aggregators

CasinoWebScripts, a leading provider of iGaming software solutions, is drawing attention to a powerful infrastructure model already in use by several clients — one that enables direct integration between online casino operators and game content providers. As the industry evolves, the company is now actively promoting this approach as a smarter alternative to traditional aggregation.
In the conventional model, aggregators act as intermediaries between content providers and casino platforms. While convenient, this structure often limits operators’ control over technical and commercial aspects, introduces latency and adds additional costs. CasinoWebScripts’ model removes the need for an aggregator by enabling operators to connect directly to game providers using a simplified and consistent integration method.
“Our goal is to simplify the way operators work with game studios, regardless of the type of casino they operate — whether it’s real-money, crypto, or social sweepstakes. By providing the tools and infrastructure for direct connections, we empower both sides to negotiate directly, optimize performance, and reduce third-party dependencies,” said Oscar Stevens, Head of Business Development at CasinoWebScripts.
Key Features of the Model Include:
• Direct Integration: Operators connect with game providers through a unified framework, without using an aggregator.
• Faster Load Times and Lower Latency: The streamlined architecture improves game performance and platform responsiveness.
• Independent Commercial Agreements: Operators and providers manage their own contracts, pricing and terms with full autonomy.
• Easy Expansion: The system supports the quick addition of new providers, with minimal integration overhead.
• Technology-Only Role: CasinoWebScripts supplies the infrastructure but does not interfere in commercial relationships.
This infrastructure shift reflects growing demand from operators looking for more autonomy in their business models. It also addresses concerns about transparency and technical bottlenecks that often arise with aggregator-based systems.
“Our platform is designed to serve those who want to scale fast and retain control over their operations. With this model, operators no longer have to compromise on performance or commercial independence,” added Stevens.
The post CasinoWebScripts Enables Direct Provider Connections and Eliminates the Need for Aggregators appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Exclusive Commentary from Vixio On Their AML Outlook Findings

Your recent AML Outlook report highlights over €36 million in fines issued across Europe in just one year. What recurring weaknesses or compliance gaps are regulators most commonly identifying in payments and e-money firms?
John Gidla (JG): Regulators continue to flag underinvestment in anti-financial crime controls as a key concern for payments and e-money firms. Common themes include weak governance, limited oversight, and fragmented controls, all of which increase vulnerability to financial crime. There’s a growing expectation that firms scale their compliance frameworks in line with their risk exposure and growth trajectory
The report mentions that AML compliance can be costly—yet the reputational and financial risks of non-compliance are even greater. What are the most cost-effective measures firms can implement today to strengthen their AML frameworks without overwhelming their budgets?
JG: While not all firms can afford advanced compliance tools, strong governance remains one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce risk. Practical steps such as training staff on emerging threats, embedding a culture of accountability, and regularly updating frameworks as the business grows can go a long way in strengthening AML resilience without major spend.
With the creation of the EU’s new AMLA authority, do you expect a more consistent and centralized enforcement approach across Europe? How might this change how firms prepare for inspections and adapt their compliance strategies?
JG: AMLA has the potential to bring greater consistency to AML enforcement across the EU, addressing long-standing issues caused by fragmented supervision and uneven implementation by national authorities. Its impact will depend on how much direct oversight it gains, how assertively it acts on cross-border risks, and whether it can close the regulatory gaps that have permitted high-profile scandals. Firms should expect more rigorous and standardised inspections and will need to ensure their compliance programmes are not only locally robust, but scalable across jurisdictions.
Vixio emphasizes the importance of a proactive rather than reactive compliance culture. In your view, what does a ‘proactive’ AML strategy look like in 2025, and what technologies or best practices are leading firms adopting to stay ahead?
JG: A truly proactive AML strategy in 2025 extends beyond technology to encompass a strong compliance culture at every level of the organisation. Leading firms understand that combating financial crime isn’t just the responsibility of the compliance team — it’s integrated into day-to-day operations, with senior leadership driving risk awareness across departments. In terms of technology, firms are increasingly adopting AI, machine learning, and automated monitoring systems to detect suspicious activity early and reduce human error. However, culture plays a critical role; firms that foster a compliance-first mindset and invest in ongoing staff training are better positioned to adapt to emerging threats and ensure that their compliance frameworks evolve in step with business growth and digital transformation. A proactive approach also means constantly reassessing risk and using data to predict and prevent issues, rather than just reacting to them. With regulations in constant flux, and regulators ramping up enforcement, proactive compliance looks like implementing strategies to anticipate regulations, not just react to them. In Vixio’s PC Outlook Report, we found that a clear majority of firms surveyed are using some form of outsourcing for their compliance functionality, turning to firms like Vixio to get ahead of regulatory change.
Thanks to John Gidla, Head of Payments Compliance at Vixio, for his insightful responses.
The post Exclusive Commentary from Vixio On Their AML Outlook Findings appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – April 28-May 4

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Bragg Gaming Group announced it has reached an agreement with its lenders, certain entities controlled by Doug Fallon, to repay USD 5 million of its outstanding USD 7 million secured promissory note and to extend the maturity of the remaining USD 2 million until June 6, 2025 (the Note). The company is in the process of securing a new revolving credit facility from a third-party lender. This facility is expected to offer more favourable terms than the existing Note, including lower borrowing costs and improved drawdown flexibility. All other terms of the original Note remain unchanged.
PENN Entertainment Inc announced plans for an expected $180–$200 million project to relocate its Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs (Ameristar) riverboat casino operations to a new, state-of-the-art land-based property to be rebranded as Hollywood Casino Council Bluffs (Hollywood Council Bluffs). The proposal is approved by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission in conjunction with a 15-year extension of Ameristar’s partnership with the nonprofit Qualified Sponsoring Organisation (QSO) Iowa West Racing Association. All commercial operators in Iowa are required to have an operating agreement with a QSO licensed to conduct gaming operations. Under the proposed plan, the new Hollywood Council Bluffs is expected to include roughly 125,000 square feet of new development with approximately 58,000 square feet of gaming space.
PENN Entertainment Inc announced that it intends to nominate Johnny Hartnett and Carlos Ruisanchez for election to its Board of Directors following discussions with HG Vora Capital Management LLC (HG Vora). Ron Naples has informed the Board that he will retire from the Board, effective immediately. Barbara Shattuck Kohn and Saul Reibstein have notified the Company that they will not stand for reelection at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Board now comprises eight directors, seven of whom are independent.
Partnerships
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Genius Sports Limited have announced a significant extension of their long-term partnership, reinforcing their shared commitment to innovation, transparency and the integrity of college athletics. Under the expanded agreement, Genius Sports has been appointed as the exclusive distributor of official NCAA data to licensed sportsbooks for all post-season tournaments, including March Madness, through 2032. This long-term agreement ensures the delivery of fast, accurate and secure data to the regulated sports betting market.
PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, announced that it has been named the Official Daily Fantasy Partner of the San Francisco Giants. The new partnership strengthens the DFS leader’s presence in professional baseball and features digital and in-park activations at Oracle Park. As part of the multi-year partnership, PrizePicks branding will be showcased prominently throughout Oracle Park with rotating signage behind home plate and LED signage on each baseline. PrizePicks logos will be featured across the K-Counter in right field, creating an interactive experience for fans in the ballpark. Fans seated on top of the right field wall near the strikeout counter will have the opportunity to flip over the PrizePicks branded signs, revealing a “K” for each strikeout earned by a Giants pitcher.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – April 28-May 4 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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