Latest News
Affinity Interactive Appoints Andrei Scrivens as CEO
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Affinity Interactive, an omni-channel gaming industry leader, announced the appointment of Andrei Scrivens as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2023.
Mr. Scrivens has served as AI’s Chief Financial Officer since 2019 and succeeds Mary Beth Higgins, who is retiring after a distinguished 25-year career in gaming. Ms. Higgins will stay on in an advisory role through June 2023 to help ensure a smooth transition.
“Andrei has been instrumental in establishing Affinity Interactive as the industry-leading platform it is today, and I am confident he has the vision to lead AI to even greater success. We are well positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for omni-channel casino and online gaming products, and Andrei’s gaming industry experience — both as an investment professional and operator — will continue to be invaluable. I look forward to continuing to partner together as we further enhance our best-in-class gaming offerings and products for customers and guests,” James J. Zenni Jr., Chairman of Affinity Interactive, said.
Mr. Scrivens has more than a decade of experience in the gaming and hospitality industry. As CFO, he played a key role in the formation of AI through the merger of Affinity Gaming and Sports Information Group in 2021. Prior to joining AI, he served as a Managing Director at Z Capital Partners LLC (ZCG), for seven years, where he focused on gaming and hospitality investments, and led teams specializing in opportunities that required hands-on financial and operational leadership. Before joining ZCG, he served as Director at Chilmark Partners, a middle market private equity firm and boutique investment bank.
“This is an incredible opportunity to lead AI during such an exciting phase of its growth trajectory. Since I began working with the company in 2014, I have been continuously impressed by the talent and commitment across the organization. I am excited to work closely with ZCG and lead a world-class team as we expand our footprint across physical casino locations, online gaming platforms and digital media. I am grateful for Mary Beth’s leadership over the past few years, and I am looking forward to building on the strong foundation we’ve put in place together,” Mr. Scrivens said.
“We thank Mary Beth for her leadership, dedication and countless contributions, which have been pivotal to the growth and success of AI. We wish her well in her retirement,” Mr. Zenni said.
“Leading AI has been a privilege and an incredible journey, and I am so proud of all we have accomplished together. This is the right time for AI to transition to its next generation of leadership, and I could not be more confident in Andrei’s ability to execute on all of the exciting developments we have been working on and more,” Ms. Higgins said.
Compliance Updates
IGSA Welcomes Sharp Vision as Silver Member
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The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) has welcomed Sharp Vision as a new Silver member. Sharp Vision is a leading provider of regulatory turnkey solutions for gaming authorities.
“We are delighted to be a part of IGSA and we look forward to contributing to the advancement of best practices among regulators in the fast-growing gaming industry,” Damien Raymond, COO of Sharp Vision, said.
“IGSA is very excited to welcome Sharp Vision to our membership. We believe that IGSA Standards can enhance Sharp Vision’s products supporting regulatory authority oversight. We look forward to their participation in IGSA committees,” Mark Pace, President of IGSA, said.
Latest News
BigCash Goes Global with Launch in Brazil
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BigCash, India’s leading online skill-based real money gaming company, has set its sights on global expansion and aims to offer an unparalleled gaming experience to users worldwide. The global skill-based gaming market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of 13.50% and will be valued at USD 106.78 billion, by 2032. Building on its success in India, BigCash is poised to introduce its entertaining games to global audiences, uniquely blending local flavors with its hallmark innovative gameplay.
BigCash started its journey in 2017 and has quickly become players’ preferred choice, by strategically focusing on launching new games and features regularly and due to its superfast and user-friendly interface. Being a multi-gaming app, it offers a wide range of games tailored for all age groups. With popular Indian card games, like poker, rummy, and call break with regional variations; casual games like ludo, ice blaster, fruit chop, along with fantasy cricket, the platform resonates deeply with the players of Bharat.
Continuing on the mission to take Indian technology global and to reach a wider global gaming audience, BigCash, after months of an in-depth market study, had set its views on expanding its global presence with in-house developed and tailored gaming technology and experience. BigCash presently operates in Brazil, besides India.
One of the key reasons behind BigCash’s entry into the Latin American market is the region’s immense potential for growth in the gaming sector. Brazil, in particular, has emerged as a hotspot for gaming companies due to its large population, favorable demographics, and a growing middle class with disposable income.
BigCash’s global expansion plans include multiple launches in Latin America, Asia, and Africa over the next 12 months. BigCash plans to offer local and international flavors, customized specifically for each country, with a focus on Responsible Gaming and other trust measures, to ensure a deeper bonding with the players.
Ankur Singh, CEO of BigCash, said: “Going global has been part of our strategic planning always; with our launch in Brazil, we have just taken the first step. We are aspiring to be present in 8 countries in the next 12 months. The competitive landscape in Latin America’s gaming industry presents both opportunities and challenges. BigCash is a perfect fit for the Latin American gaming landscape due to our stronghold on tech, which allows product customizations, easy-to-play online games, a supersafe and fast experience; we are already gaining a lot of organic traction.”
Latest News
Michigan Lottery Transitions to 1-800-GAMBLER for Responsible Gaming Support
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The Michigan Lottery announced that it will transition to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER for responsible gaming support. This aligns the agency with the Michigan Gaming Control Board and other online gaming platforms operating in Michigan in promoting 1-800-GAMBLER. The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline will replace the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline currently in circulation (1-800-270-7117), although the previous number will remain in operation.
“The Lottery is committed to providing Michiganders with easy access to resources that support responsible gaming. By transitioning to 1-800-GAMBLER, we are able to ensure that Michigan residents can reach specially trained staff who can provide confidential professional support, local referrals, and resources to those who may have a gambling problem,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.
Operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), 1-800-GAMBLER is the world’s largest problem gambling helpline network by call volume, population served, and geographic area covered. The helpline connects people and families impacted by problem gambling with professional support, local referrals, and resources.
Calls made to 1-800-GAMBLER from Michigan will be routed to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The helpline can also be reached by texting 800GAM or chatting online at 1800gamblerchat.org. Trained contact center staff are available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide support, guidance, and relevant information to anyone seeking help related to problem gambling. Additionally, players or their family members may connect to support resources such as live chat, text, and the helpline number by selecting the links in the footer of the Lottery’s website.
The Michigan Lottery was the first lottery in the US to achieve the Internet Responsible Gambling Compliance Assessment Program certification through NCPG in October 2015. The NCPG evaluated the Lottery’s compliance with Internet Responsible Gaming (IRG) standards developed based on best practices from jurisdictions around the world. IRG standards are the highest standards for online responsible gaming in the nation.
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