Rickard Vikström, CEO and founder of Internet Vikings, a licensed in-state hosting provider for U.S. iGaming and online sports betting, has been named European CEO of the Year in the hosting industry.

The award recognizes Vikström’s work in expanding Internet Vikings’ presence from Europe into the U.S., where the company has become the fastest-growing hosting provider for the iGaming and sports betting industry. Internet Vikings continues to see strong year-on-year growth, becoming the go-to hosting partner for European operators expanding into the U.S. market.

Vikström has led Internet Vikings through several key initiatives, including early market entry in emerging U.S. states, the introduction of flexible hosting models such as Pay-as-You-Go Bursting, and a focus on operational transparency and customer responsiveness. He also helped secure VMware Premier Partner status for the company.

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Internally, Vikström is known for his direct and accessible leadership approach, maintaining regular contact with clients and actively participating in customer support improvements.

This award highlights his ability to scale a European company internationally while maintaining close attention to service and technical reliability.

Construction has officially begun on Japan’s first integrated resort with a casino, as MGM Osaka held its groundbreaking ceremony last week. The event, hosted by Osaka IR KK, the project’s promoter, was attended by Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura and representatives of MGM Resorts International and Japan’s Orix Corporation, the lead partners behind the ¥1.27 trillion ($8.8 billion) development.

Located on the man-made island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay, MGM Osaka is scheduled to open in the autumn of 2030. The project marks a key milestone in Japan’s long-debated foray into legalised casino gaming. Once operational, it is expected to generate around $5.9 billion annually in gross gaming revenue.

MGM Osaka will feature a casino, three hotels with approximately 2500 rooms, and extensive convention and entertainment facilities, including a 3500-seat theater, 330,000 square feet of exhibition space and 400,000 square feet of conference areas. Dining and retail outlets are also part of the expansive master plan.

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“In collaboration with Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City, this project… is expected to contribute to the development of Japan’s tourism industry and the growth of the Kansai region,” a press statement reads.

The complex’s timeline coincides with the tail end of Expo 2025, also hosted on Yumeshima Island. To minimise disruption during the event, construction will be scaled down on peak days and the use of heavy machinery delayed until after the Expo concludes in October.

The resort will benefit from enhanced transportation access. A new Osaka Metro station opened in January to serve Expo 2025 and eventually MGM Osaka, while the Kintetsu Nara Line is being extended to further improve connectivity before the resort opens.

Financially, the project is backed by a ¥530 billion ($3.68 billion) debt financing package led by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., with investments from regional businesses in Osaka.

SYNOT Games, a leading developer of innovative casino games and retention solutions, announced a strategic partnership with Spanish aggregator R. Franco Digital. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in delivering enhanced gaming experiences across Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Colombia.

In a move set to redefine player engagement in the iGaming industry, SYNOT Games has integrated its advanced retention solutions into R. Franco Digital’s flagship IRIS Platform, a comprehensive and flexible aggregation system. This strategic partnership, which unites SYNOT’s industry-leading tools such as the SYNOT Progressive Bonus and Free Round Bonus, promises to deliver an enriched gaming experiences for key Spanish-language markets.

The collaboration is designed to provide casino operators with an unparalleled suite of features aimed at boosting player engagement and loyalty. By combining premium iGaming content with robust retention mechanics, operators are now empowered to create a more dynamic and rewarding environment for their players. This move could set new benchmarks in the competitive landscape of online gaming, where seamless and engaging player experiences are paramount.

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As the integration rolls out across multiple markets, both companies are optimistic that the fusion of cutting-edge retention tools with comprehensive content aggregation will drive operational efficiencies and catalyze a new era of innovation and customer satisfaction in the online casino sector.

Javier Sacristán, International Business Director at R. Franco Digital, said: “We are excited to join forces with SYNOT Games. Integrating their advanced retention tools with our aggregation platform sets a new standard in player engagement. Our clients will benefit from a superior, integrated solution that drives growth and loyalty in our key markets. This partnership amplifies our presence in vital markets and elevates the overall player experience through our integrated retention solutions”

Kristína Ďaďová, Sales Manager at SYNOT Games, said: “By launching new integration with R. Franco Digital, we empower our partners with a seamless platform that enhances player engagement and retention, ensuring that operators across Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and Colombia can offer an unmatched gaming experience.”