Industry News
Fintech Companies Learn Gamification Techniques from iGaming Industry Leaders

At the recent Forbes Future of Fintech Summit, industry leaders discussed emerging trends within the fintech sector, and how iGaming innovation can help disrupt financial services. One of the key takeaways was the potential for cross-industry application of gamification or motivational engineering techniques, a concept discussed in depth by Soft2Bet CEO Uri Poliavich at the Summit. His insights offered a broader perspective, suggesting that the principles of gamification, while prevalent in iGaming, have significant untapped potential in fintech, financial services, and beyond.
Gamification is often talked about in reference to social gaming, but it is also a key feature in real money gaming and is the feature that has enabled Soft2Bet to grow so strongly in the past year thanks to higher engagement and retention levels leading to sustaining revenue growth.
If the use of gamification in iGaming results in increased engagement, customer retention, and revenue, then applying similar gamification features in the fintech sector could yield comparable benefits. As Poliavich told Forbes fintech contributor Meaghan Johnson during the Summit, the success of Soft2Bet’s gamification technology, called Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA), serves as an example for the fintech sector to revolutionize its own engagement metrics by implementing gamification within its applications and products.
In Johnson’s article on the subject, Uri explained that, “Now fintech is about neo-banking, customization, and adapting to new technologies that are replacing retail branches. A generation of users prefers to gamify the experience, and this is where iGaming; specifically Soft2Bet, is at the junction of different niches.”
In addition to gamification, several strategies were discussed where fintech companies could learn from the iGaming industry, including localization, personalization, and the use of artificial intelligence to promote a relevant and engaging experience.
Soft2Bet COO Gilad Naim, when discussing the future of fintech, added to Uri’s comments, highlighting Soft2Bet’s MEGA innovations as an additional layer of entertainment for players that could seamlessly be integrated into the fintech space. The company even plans to launch a fintech product of its own, a gamified wallet, aiming to capture more user screentime and attention.
“With MEGA, we have created an additional layer of entertainment for players. The increases in engagement, revenues, and deposits are proof that players will engage if you provide them with the products,” Naim explained.
Industry News
Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. Names Carlo Santarelli Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Investor Relations

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. announced that Carlo Santarelli has been appointed Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Investor Relations, a new position at the Company. Mr. Santarelli will begin his new position on August 18, 2025 and will report to GLPI President and Chief Operating Officer, Brandon Moore.
Mr. Santarelli brings over 25 years of Wall Street experience in Equity Research and Investment Banking to his new role and joins the Company from Deutsche Bank where he was Managing Director of Gaming & Lodging Equity Research. Prior to Deutsche Bank, Mr. Santarelli held similar positions at Bear Stearns, JP Morgan and Wells Fargo. He consistently ranked highly in Institutional Investor and other sell-side analyst research polls as a thought leader in the space, providing unique perspectives on industry events and trends with his data-driven approach and stock picking talent. Carlo Santarelli graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Economics in 2000.
Peter Carlino, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GLPI, said: “We’ve known and respected Carlo’s research work on the gaming, lodging and gaming REIT sectors for many years. Carlo brings to GLPI an in-depth knowledge of the industry and its participants, having experienced GLPI’s original formation of the gaming triple-net-REIT structure from a research analyst and capital markets perspective. We value his deep network of contacts among institutional investors, sell-side analysts and a wide range of gaming industry operators and we look forward to the value of his contributions.”
In his new role, Mr. Santarelli will work with Mr. Carlino and GLPI’s senior management to develop and evaluate growth opportunities and strategic relationships, and will oversee investor relations interactions.
Industry News
VIP Play Announces Departure of Chief Financial Officer

VIP Play, a technology-driven leader in interactive consumer engagement, announced that Jim Mackey, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, will step down from his role, effective August 8, 2025.
The Company has initiated a transition process and is in the process of identifying a successor. Mackey will assist in an orderly transition over the coming weeks.
“We thank Jim for his contributions to the Company, particularly during a transformative period for our business. We remain focused on executing our strategic priorities, including financial visibility, operating efficiency, and delivering value to our stakeholders,” said Les Ottolenghi, CEO of VIP Play.
Industry News
IBN Initiates Coverage of SEGG Media Corporation

SEGG Media Corporation, a leading technology company transforming the global intersection of sports, entertainment, and gaming, has selected IBN, a multifaceted financial news and publishing company serving private and public entities, to spearhead its corporate communications efforts.
SEGG Media aims to deliver immersive, real-time experiences through next-generation technology that redefines how audiences interact with their favorite content and communities. Following a full-scale corporate transformation and rebrand, the company now operates across three high-growth verticals: Sports.com, Entertainment, and Lottery.com.
Sports.com serves as a global hub for sports content with a focus on soccer, sim racing, motorsports, and athlete-led media, with the upcoming Sports.com Super App poised to evolve fan engagement by integrating streaming, e-commerce, fantasy gaming, and sports news. The Entertainment division builds on AI-powered live events and direct-to-fan platforms, while Lottery.com delivers compliant, ethical gaming solutions including iGaming and charitable lottery access to global audiences.
With a $100 million financing facility and strategic acquisitions underway, including proposed deals with GXR World and DotCom Ventures, SEGG Media is executing a multi-vertical expansion strategy designed to unify fragmented fan experiences across live content, gaming, and digital commerce.
As part of the client-partner relationship, IBN will leverage its investor-focused distribution network, which includes over 5000 key syndication outlets, various newsletters, social media channels, and wire services via InvestorWire, along with blogs and other outreach tools, to generate greater awareness for SEGG Media.
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