Press Releases
CHESS MEETS SPORTS BETTING: BETBY AND CARLSEN SHINE AT ICE BARCELONA
BETBY’s global brand ambassador, chess icon Magnus Carlsen, took center stage at ICE Barcelona’s opening day, engaging with the sports betting industry’s leading media and stakeholders during a highly anticipated press conference. The event marked Carlsen’s debut at an industry expo with BETBY and provided an exclusive look into his recently announced long-term partnership with the sportsbook solutions provider.
The press conference was attended by a gathering of media representatives, industry experts, and a big number of chess fans eager to learn more about the collaboration between the chess legend and the sportsbook supplier. Carlsen, a five-time World Chess Champion widely regarded as the greatest player in history, shared insights into his role as the face of BETBY’s “Make Your Move” campaign and reflected on the synergies between his strategic prowess and BETBY’s forward-thinking approach to redefining the sports betting experience.
During the press conference, hosted by Pierre Lindh, co-founder and managing director of NEXT.io, Carlsen highlighted the similarities between chess strategy and gambling, speaking as well about his role as a global brand ambassador.
“BETBY is a young and innovative company; it’s exciting and really fun to be part of the journey that the company is on. It’s been a fun process. We first came in contact about a year ago, and from the start, my father and I have been able to learn a lot about BETBY. It has been very interesting to know how sportsbook technology is developed and how you can use AI to build an innovative new experience. Hopefully, I can continue to be part of the journey that the company is on because it’s been a very exciting last couple of months.”
Chris Nikolopoulos, BETBY’s Chief Commercial Officer, also addressed the audience. He reflected on the provider’s achievements in 2024 and outlined expectations for 2025, particularly regarding AI innovation, emphasizing the connection between Carlsen and BETBY. “Magnus epitomizes mastery in what he does, and we also do that as a brand. We share a lot of the same qualities and values. We want to do something different, and instead of working with a retired player from a mainstream sport, we wanted to showcase that we as a company can break the norm and make something different. Magnus is a World Champion in a super intellectual sport, and there was no better person to help us do that. For us, it was a natural choice, and we are very happy with it. We are looking forward to exploring the full potential of it and for this partnership to continue in the coming years. It’s amazing to have Magnus on board.”
Before the press conference, Carlsen participated in a meet-and-greet session at BETBY’s stand, where attendees had the chance to interact with the chess GOAT and even challenge him to a quick chess match. The event drew large crowds and generated significant buzz on the exhibition floor, solidifying BETBY’s status as a standout sportsbook provider at ICE.
BETBY invites all ICE Barcelona attendees to visit stand 5J18, where the provider is introducing an industry-first AI-based feed and showcasing its innovative sportsbook solution.
The post CHESS MEETS SPORTS BETTING: BETBY AND CARLSEN SHINE AT ICE BARCELONA appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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.
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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