The Innovation Group, together with Global Gaming Business (GGB) magazine, has announced Rickard Vikström, CEO and Founder of Internet Vikings, as one of the honorees of the Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. This list recognizes professionals under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions and are set to become leaders in the casino gaming industry.

Rickard Vikström has been recognized for his leadership in the field of in-state hosting solutions for the iGaming and online sports betting industry. As the CEO of Internet Vikings, Rickard has established the company which is now the fastest-growing hosting provider in the US, serving 24 states.

“I am honored to be included in this list of talented individuals making a bold impact in the casino gaming industry. I share this recognition with the entire Internet Vikings team and our leading hosting solutions that support the growth and success of our clients in the iGaming and online sports betting sectors,” said Rickard Vikström.

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The Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 was carefully selected by a distinguished committee including representatives from PENN Entertainment. Their decision reflects Rickard Vikström’s impact on the industry and his achievements in strategic leadership. Other 40 under 40 leaders include FanDuel’s Karolina Pelc and Everi’s Darryl DeRaedt.

The honorees will be celebrated at the Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Networking Reception in partnership with Global Gaming Expo (G2E) on Wednesday, the 9th of October, 2024.

CT Interactive made a significant impact at this year’s SBC Summit in Lisbon, held from September 24 to 26 at the FIL Exhibition Centre. The company captivated the audience with its impressive stand (#A230), where visitors were treated to live demonstrations of CT Interactive’s cutting-edge gaming portfolio, customizable solutions and the latest innovative features designed to meet the growing demands of the industry.

The team engaged with professionals from across the globe to explore how their portfolio can enhance player engagement and retention in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

“We were proud to show how much we’ve evolved as a company. The SBC Summit was the ideal setting to demonstrate that progress. Our vision has always been to create immersive gaming experiences that not only entertain but also push the boundaries of what operators and players expect from online gaming. This year, we brought something truly special to Lisbon,” said Lachezar Petrov, CEO of CT Interactive.

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CT Interactive’s booth featured advanced gaming elements such as jackpots, free spins and bonus tools, all designed to create a more engaging and rewarding experience for players. The company’s commitment to innovation and player-focused products was clear from the feedback they received throughout the event.

A major highlight of the summit was CT Interactive’s announcement of a new strategic partnership with GameWorkz, a provider of social gaming solutions. GameWorkz presented its player management platform at CT Interactive’s stand, showcasing a solution that integrates third-party services and proprietary technology. This platform offers a fully functional social gaming experience, complete with gamification tools and a loyalty program, tailored to meet the needs of social players.

Betsson Group has secured multiple accolades at the prestigious SBC Awards 2024, held in Lisbon.

Among the standout achievements, Betsson Group claimed the coveted title of Sportsbook Operator of the Year, alongside Leader of the Year awarded to its General Counsel, Corinne Valletta.

The Sportsbook Operator of the Year award recognises Betsson Group as the leading sportsbook operator of 2024. It celebrates the company’s significant achievements in operational efficiency, growth and market expansion. Over the past year, Betsson has showcased its ability to expand into new markets, introduce innovative features, launch engaging marketing campaigns, and consistently deliver exceptional customer experiences.

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Betsson Group’s General Counsel, Corinne Valletta, was recognised with the Leader of the Year award, an honour reserved for individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities. Corinne’s leadership has transformed Betsson’s Legal and Compliance teams into a model of excellence, driving operational efficiency and securing licenses in multiple new jurisdictions. Her innovative approach and thought leadership in regulatory compliance have set industry standards, positioning Betsson as a leader in both responsible gaming and legal excellence.

In addition to the two top awards, Betsson Group also earned silver in the following categories:

Innovation in Casino & Gaming Entertainment – Silver

Best Affiliate Programme – Silver

Operator of the Year (Large) – Silver

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Employer of the Year – Silver