Press Releases
Checkd International passes 1 million bets placed across NFL season on SmartPicks

- Checkd International’s SmartPicks app has surpassed one million bets in just five months
- There have been over six million screen views by users
- More than 8,000 subscriptions have been purchased on SmartPicks Pro
Checkd International, the North American sports betting specialist and part of the award-winning Checkd Group, has announced a successful first NFL season for its SmartPicks betting app with many huge milestones hit by users.
At the culmination of Super Bowl LIX in Louisiana, over one million bets had been added to bet slips through SmartPicks, as the informative and streamlined app proved it was a roaring success.
The new and improved SmartPicks app was launched in October, midway through the NFL season, and builds on existing technology used in the UK by the Manchester-based company, to provide a unique sports betting-focused app to the US.
There have been over six million page views on SmartPicks since the launch, equating to more than one million each month.
The apps prop tool, which sits front and centre, has been hugely popular with users, and over one million markets have been selected using this.
In the past five months, there have been more than 29,000 installs for the app as more users across America look to use this as their preferred choice when gambling.
SmartPicks Pro, which gives users even more access and is Checkd Group’s first-ever subscription model product, saw more than 8,000 users join throughout the NFL season, proving how vital this model will be for the business going forward.
SmartPicks was built in-house by Checkd Dev, the technology specialist division of Checkd Group, which has supported top-tier operators with new products in the past year, including Paddy Power’s Mix ’N Match bet building tool.
The success of SmartPicks continues to expand Checkd Group’s position in the US-based betting market through Checkd International’s on-the-ground presence, and 2024 saw a 187% increase in app searches for the business.
Commenting on the success, Callum Broxton, Head of US Operations at Checkd Group said: “We’re delighted to announce that our SmartPicks app has been greatly received in the American sports betting market, with millions of bets placed and thousands of new users choosing the market-leading technology provided this NFL season.
“The launch of SmartPicks Pro has proven successful for the business, and with plenty of positive feedback from users, means we are looking for further ways to tap into revenue subscription models as there is clear demand for this.
“As we enter a key stage of the NBA season and March Madness set to begin, we look forward to developing the app further and making betting even easier across America.”
The post Checkd International passes 1 million bets placed across NFL season on SmartPicks appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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.
-
partnerships4 weeks ago
Octoplay accelerates UK and Irish growth with strategic BoyleSports partnership
-
Latin America4 weeks ago
SOFTSWISS Ignites Brazil with ‘Race Like a Legend’ Experience
-
Press Releases4 weeks ago
Booming Games Unveils Easter Classics: A Charming Springtime Slot Full of Fluffy Fun and Festive Wins
-
Balkans3 weeks ago
Playson tightens grip on Croatian market with landmark Hrvatska Lutrija deal
-
Asia2 weeks ago
Jetapult Strengthens AI Expertise: Onboards Industry Leaders, Oz Silahtar and Dr. Arjun Jain
-
Africa4 weeks ago
INCENTIVE GAMES SIGNS EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTION DEAL FOR NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, SOUTH AFRICA AND UK WITH LIGHT & WONDER
-
Latin America3 weeks ago
SCCG Becomes Sponsor of SFT Combat
-
Cancún2 weeks ago
CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES REVOLUTIONIZE PALACE BINGO & SPORTS BETS IN CANCÚN