Press Releases
Entain reveals global surge in NFL wagers, as “Big Game” fever hits Las Vegas

- Entain’s UK and European data highlights a 12% increase in the number of bets for the 11 February fixture compared to 2023.(Digital sportsbooks only)
- Entain’s UK data shows a 217% increase in the quantity of females betting on the Big Game compared to 2020.
- Data from Entain and its joint venture, BetMGM, shows a record number of bets placed on this year’s Big Game, over 30% higher than last year’s event, with a 72% year over year increase in new customers. (Digital and retail sportsbook)
Kansas City and San Francisco’s NFL teams faced each other in another hotly anticipated season finale at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday 11th February. Today, Entain, one of the leading global sports betting and gaming companies, can reveal that the NFL’s Big Game has become a truly global spectacle, with a surge in the number of bets placed on this year’s game.
Entain also highlights the NFL’s growing international fanbase, as well as the league’s increasing growth and popularity as a global sport:
Data from Entain’s Coral, Ladbrokes and bwin brands show there was a 12% increase in UK and European bets placed when compared to last year;
In 2024, Ladbrokes and Coral saw a 74% increase in the quantity of UK bets placed on the Big Game compared to 2020;
UK data also saw steep rise of 217% in the quantity of female bettors, with an 86% increase in share of female betters since the 2020 game, highlighting the sport’s success in diversifying its fanbase in recent years.
As the US’s flagship sporting event took over Las Vegas, the latest data from Entain and BetMGM reveals increased excitement from fans around the Big Game, showing 30% year over year uplift in total number of bets across the US, and a 51% increase in female bettors from last year.
Sameer Deen, Chief Commercial Officer at Entain, comments: “Las Vegas is the epicentre of entertainment and last Sunday’s Big Game was evidence that the city is drawing in global crowds for these types of sporting events. It was an opportunity for us to innovate our sportsbook offer, enabling us to provide our UK & European customers with an even greater variety of sporting events, as well as being part of a global fanbase.”
BetMGM launched its new Nevada app ahead of the iconic event taking place in Las Vegas this year, giving NFL fans in Nevada the best possible BetMGM experience. The company also aired their first Big Game television commercial (complete with a memorable three-part teaser campaign) featuring sports legends Tom Brady and Wayne Gretzky, along with actor Vince Vaughn. BetMGM also signed a strategic partnership with X, becoming the social media platform’s exclusive Live Odds Sports Betting partner in time for the Big Game.
Press Releases
James O’Kelly Appointed Head of Corporate Development at SolutionsHub

SolutionsHub is pleased to announce the appointment of James O’Kelly as Head of Corporate Development, a newly established role that underscores the company’s commitment to strategic growth, innovation, and excellence in client service.
Since joining SolutionsHub, James has been instrumental in driving key initiatives across the organization. Over the past 18 months, James has headed high-impact growth intiatives, managed treasury and led sucessful licensing for clients. His contributions have also extended to representing SolutionsHub on the international stage, enhancing the company’s global presence.
In his new role, James will take the lead on a range of high-impact strategic initiatives in close collaboration with the Board of Directors. His primary focus will be on identifying and cultivating key partnerships, as well as spearheading the development of innovative product lines that align with the company’s long-term vision. To fully dedicate his efforts to these forward-looking priorities, James will be transitioning responsibility for day-to-day operations and compliance to other senior members of the leadership team. This shift will enable him to concentrate on shaping the company’s future growth trajectory and ensuring its continued success.
“James has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and a deep understanding of our business and industry,” said Lee Hills, CEO of SolutionsHub. “His appointment as Head of Corporate Development is a natural evolution that aligns with our long-term strategic goals and further reinforces the strength of our leadership team.”
James will continue to play a pivotal role in advising and supporting clients through increasingly complex regulatory, licensing, and jurisdictional considerations. Leveraging his extensive experience and strong track record of delivering innovative, compliant, and forward-thinking solutions.
The post James O’Kelly Appointed Head of Corporate Development at SolutionsHub appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry Awards
ELA Games Receives Key Nomination at EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards

The studio is shortlisted for the “Brand of the Year – B2B” category
ELA Games, an innovative game development studio, has been shortlisted for the “Brand of the Year – B2B” category at the upcoming EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards 2025.
The EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards is an event that celebrates key figures and innovative brands within the iGaming industry. The ceremony recognises companies that demonstrate commercial success through game-changing creativity and contributions to the improvement of the industry. It gathers the brightest and most influential minds to reward those who have helped the online gaming sector grow.
ELA Games’ nomination for the “Brand of the Year – B2B” category highlights the company’s efforts in creating a portfolio that balances operator-centric growth with player-friendly gaming experiences. The studio has demonstrated a commitment to helping operators improve player acquisition and retention metrics through data-backed performance, making it a beneficial partner.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the nomination, “The ELA Games team is proud to receive a nomination for a significant category at a prestigious event. We’ve made considerable strides in 2025 to develop our portfolio and create games that both help operators grow and provide fun for players. We look forward to networking with all our peers at the ceremony, and congratulations to all nominees!”
The EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards 2025 will take place on June 19, 2025, at The Mermaid, London. The ELA Games team will attend the ceremony for a night of excitement, networking, and celebration.
The post ELA Games Receives Key Nomination at EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Giorgia Kasat
Reals Appoints Giorgia Kasat as New Head of HR, Strengthening Organizational Strategy in the Betting Industry
Leading Brazilian Betting Brand Reals Welcomes Former Itaú and Votorantim Executive to Drive Human Capital Development
Reals, one of Brazil’s leading regulated online betting and gaming platforms, has announced the appointment of Giorgia Kasat as its new Head of Human Resources. With over 20 years of experience in strategic people management, organizational transformation, and leadership development, Giorgia brings a wealth of expertise from her roles at major corporations such as Votorantim, Banco Itaú, Duratex, Capgemini, and Munksjö.
Recognized as a finalist in the 2024 “Most Admired CEOs and HR Leaders” awards by Grupo Gestão RH, Giorgia also holds an Executive Business degree from Fundação Dom Cabral, an MBA in Business Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), and certification in Group Psychodrama from PUC-SP.
“We believe that a company’s success is directly linked to its ability to foster the best in its people within a healthy, growth-oriented environment. Giorgia’s human-centered leadership style drives engagement and positive results. As a serious and regulated company, professionalism is a core value for us, and her arrival is a strategic step in our organizational growth,” said Hilton Andrade, CFO of Reals.
Giorgia expressed enthusiasm about joining Reals at a pivotal moment for the company and the industry: “I’m excited to take on this new challenge with a major player in the betting and online gaming industry. My passion lies in developing people who go on to inspire and empower others. Together, we’ll build a strong culture of growth, diversity, and performance in a sector that is rapidly consolidating in Brazil and globally.”
Reals Expands Workforce and Strengthens Market Presence
Amid rapid expansion, Reals is in the process of hiring approximately 1500 new employees and preparing to move into a new 6,000 m² headquarters in São Paulo. Already a standout in the market, Reals made headlines earlier this year by becoming the first Brazilian betting operator to sponsor a major European football club, AC Milan, as its Official Regional Betting Partner for Latin America.
Reals also holds a master sponsorship with Coritiba Foot Ball Club in Brazil and boasts an all-star ambassador roster led by TV personality Rodrigo Faro, alongside popular influencers Ítalo Sena, Edu Primitivo, and Gabi Nery.
With a 9.5 rating on Reclame Aqui, Reals is among the top-rated licensed betting operators in Brazil, reinforcing its reputation for reliability and customer trust.
The post Reals Appoints Giorgia Kasat as New Head of HR, Strengthening Organizational Strategy in the Betting Industry appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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