Press Releases
Play’n GO announces W Hotel Barcelona takeover for ICE

Swedish gaming giant combines iconic venue with innovative gameplay as unveiling of Crashback™ games planned
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced a bold approach to ICE 2025 with a planned takeover of the iconic W Hotel in Barcelona.
Synonymous with the famous Barcelona skyline, the W Hotel will be transformed into Play’n GO HQ from January 20th-22nd inclusive, with transport laid on to shuttle delegates back and forth to the Fira Barcelona convention center throughout the day, ensuring meetings can take place seamlessly.
Play’n GO will also be hosting a party on the evening of Monday, January 20th, an exclusive celebration of the world’s leading game studio in its 20th anniversary year. Hosted by Stuart Trigwell and Sky Sports F1’s Natalie Pinkham, the night promises to be both entertaining and informative, with a Q&A section planned, as well as a unique interactive quiz with top-class prizes.
At ICE Play’n GO will also unveil its own unique take on “crash games” via its patented and innovative Crashback™ mechanic.
Play’n GO’s forthcoming suite of Crashback™ games allow players to reenter a game round by placing a bet equal to the winnings earned since their initial cashout, allowing them to engage a second time while the same game round continues to run. This unique twist on the crash games genre is a Play’n GO exclusive, and testament to the studio’s constant commitment to innovation.
An initial batch of Crashback™ games are now scheduled for release, with the first, Miner Donkey, set for network release in March 2025. Also penciled in are Bucking Rider and Boat Bonanza Rider in April and May respectively. All three games will be available for play at Play’n GO HQ in the W Hotel.
Ebba Arnred, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Play’n GO, said “We wanted to offer something fresh and unforgettable for our clients and customers at this year’s ICE, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the W Hotel next week. Our takeover is a reflection of our commitment to innovation, outside-the-box thinking, all while having some fun along the way. This is the perfect way to kickstart our 20th anniversary celebrations that will take place throughout 2025. We’re excited to welcome you all to Play’n GO HQ in the W Hotel next week.”
George Olekszy, Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO added “We’re very excited to finally announce the release of Crashback™ games, and we felt that ICE was the perfect opportunity to show them to the world. We’re confident that this unique spin on crash games will revolutionise the entire genre. We’ve taken the thrill of crash games and added an extra layer of strategy that rewards both risk-takers and cautious players alike. It’s all about giving players more control and making every round an opportunity to win in a way that’s fair, fun, and entertaining.”
The post Play’n GO announces W Hotel Barcelona takeover for ICE 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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