Press Releases
UK gaming industry to launch new ‘boutique casino’ show in London in January 2025

As part of a three year expansion plan into the gaming and emerging entertainment sectors, EAG Expo, owned by UK trade association Bacta, will be launching a new casino show in London dedicated to land based operations.
EAG Expo Europe will be launching a new specialised ‘boutique show’ for the casino and betting industry at its upcoming edition in London’s ExCeL Centre on January 14-16 2025. The Capital Casino & Gaming Show (CC&GS) will run alongside EAG and forms part of the exhibition organiser’s expansion drive into the wider land based entertainment and leisure sector in both the UK and Europe.
The development programme was approved earlier this year by EAG owners Bacta – the UK’s amusements and gaming trade association. In addition to investment in a new arena for the core casino and betting machine manufacturers, the new London casino show will also focus on the growing market of smaller dedicated service and supply companies concentrated in the land based sector. During the exhibition, CC&GS will be hosting a series of seminars and workshops dedicated to the needs of land based casino and betting businesses.
And for the Capital Casino & Gaming Show, there is also the added historic dimension. The UK industry has universally backed the launch of a smaller, more intimate, boutique-style exhibition to maintain the important tradition of a casino trading forum in London for the land based international market, which has dated back to the late 1980s.
Martin Burlin, Chairman of EAG, said: “These are interesting and exciting times for the broader land-based amusements, gaming and gambling sector. With new legislation on the horizon here in the UK, it is likely that many of the innovations that are driving change in Britain will work their way into the international marketplace. And with new social responsibility measures featuring more prominently on production schedules, including age verification and cashless systems, both EAG and the new CC&GS in London provide the perfect shows to see this technology in action – and in an atmosphere that lends itself to more detailed conversations and engagement.”
The focus on land based gaming provides an important USP for the Capital Casino & Gaming Show. Nick Harding, former Bacta president and ex-CEO of the national AGC operator Praesepe, is the ‘international ambassador’ of the newly launched London casino show. He believes it will provide a vital addition to the international casino and betting sector’s calendar of events. “London has been the central force for the global casino sector for a period spanning five decades or so – it has been the capital of land based gaming products and innovations for all that time. With the evolution of the global industry, particularly into the online arena, there is a growing call, and need, for a sustained, more dedicated focus on land based operations,” Harding said.
The ‘boutique’ style casino is exactly how Harding sees the new London casino show evolving. “This isn’t a show honed on numbers, it’s shaped by quality products, quality time and quality engagement. The land based sector needs a dedicated forum, where the largest and smaller-styled influencers can connect in an environment which is set at their pace.”
He added: “In the States, particularly Las Vegas and the tribal casino sector, in Asia, Australia, and in heartland Europe, land based gaming is alive and kicking – but with very unique technological innovations and regulatory requirements. The UK has been the home of that land-based focus for nearly half a century, and we want London to continue to play an influential part in building business for the land-based industry across the globe. That’s the vision for our London casino show, and it’s an investment the entire UK industry is keen to make.”
The Capital Casino & Gaming Show will launch at London’s ExCeL Centre on 14-16 January 2025.
The post UK gaming industry to launch new ‘boutique casino’ show in London in January 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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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