Industry News
Apollo Global to Invest €500M in SAZKA and KKCG
Apollo Global Management Inc., one of the world’s leading investors in gaming and largest alternative investment managers, has entered into a deal to invest €500m (£448.1m/$591.8m) in Sazka Group and KKCG.
The investment will be effected through an investment into SAZKA Entertainment AG, a newly- established 100% wholly-owned subsidiary of KKCG, which upon closing of the investment, will be the 100% owner of SAZKA Group.
“Our business is entering a new era and this investment and strategic partnership will support our long-term expansion plans. I am happy that, after a series of discussions with major investment funds from around the world, we came to an agreement to partner with Apollo. I believe the interest in SAZKA Group from one of the world’s leading investors in gaming and largest alternative investment managers and globally confirms the value and strategy of SAZKA Group, and is an endorsement of the excellent work of the entire SAZKA Group management team. In partnership with a strong US investor, SAZKA Group is well positioned to expand in Europe, the US and other potential regions, continuing to focus on lottery and complementary gaming verticals. I am convinced that the gaming industry is one of the most promising sectors for the future and SAZKA Group aspires to be a global player in this sphere. I have absolute confidence that with support from Apollo my team will take the business to the next level” Karel Komárek, founder of KKCG and Chairman of the Board of SAZKA Group, said.
“We are very excited to invest in SAZKA Group, one of Europe’s leading private lottery operators. The company has a very successful track record of organic and inorganic growth and we believe this investment, coupled with our sector expertise and relationships, will help the management team achieve their strategic growth plans in Europe and around the globe,” James Kim, Apollo Partner and European Co-Head of Hybrid Value, said.
The majority of Apollo Funds’ €500 million investment will be used to capitalise on acquisition and growth opportunities in Europe and North America, with a focus on lotteries. The transaction implies an equity valuation of €4.2 billion for SAZKA Entertainment.
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adtech
Media Troopers adds AI automation tool to Media Cruiser DSP
Media Troopers has added a new artificial intelligence feature to its proprietary media buying platform, Media Cruiser DSP, introducing an automation layer called Automation Rules.
The company said Automation Rules is a rules-based automation engine designed to optimise campaigns using real-time data. Media Troopers said the tool can support actions including setting price ranges, highlighting and pausing underperforming metrics, creating exclusion filters, and adjusting bids without prior manual intervention.
Media Troopers positioned the release as a way to increase output while reducing operational costs, describing the workflow as “a single click” to apply automation.
Shmulik Segal, Chief Executive of Media Troopers, said, “Media Troopers is always looking to improve its systems to ensure that clients have the best technology available to help enhance their campaigns while also saving them time. This new AI feature is sure to be a game-changer among customers when it comes to increasing marketing output by taking on board and managing client data around the clock.”
The post Media Troopers adds AI automation tool to Media Cruiser DSP appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Blockchain
DeGaming launches Web3 iGaming platform, names Ulle Skottling CEO
DeGaming has launched a Web3 iGaming platform and appointed Ulle Skottling as CEO, with the company positioning on-chain operations as a way to improve transparency across operators, affiliates and players.
The platform’s core product pitch is its proprietary “Glass Vault” technology, which DeGaming says provides real-time proof of funds and independently verifiable visibility of balances, transactions, and payouts.
DeGaming is also offering “Bankroll as a service,” routing transactions through its on-chain transaction engine to provide operators access to scalable liquidity for withdrawals and platform stability. The company said this is designed to reduce friction for operators trying to scale, while giving players visibility into the funds available on the platform.
The supplier said its unified platform combines game access, player account management (PAM) and reporting in a single blockchain-native operational engine. DeGaming added that operators can launch a customisable casino or sportsbook in “as little as two weeks,” including crypto and fiat deposits, automated payouts and a back-office.
Skottling joins as CEO to lead what DeGaming called its next phase. He has held senior roles at RAW iGaming, Videoslots and NetEnt. Skottling said: “The industry has evolved rapidly, but transparency and trust have not kept pace. It runs on what you can’t see, whereas we have built a platform that you can. We are challenging the model and defining the new standard for gaming infrastructure.
“Our Glass Vault technology gives operators, affiliates and players independently verifiable visibility into platform activity and funds in real time. The future of gaming will be built on openness, accountability and infrastructure that all participants genuinely trust.”
Emil Ahmed, co-founder of DeGaming, added: “Appointing Ulle as CEO is an important step in DeGaming’s next phase. We have built the platform around a clear belief that gaming needs more transparency, stronger infrastructure, and greater operational trust. Ulle brings the industry experience, commercial understanding, and leadership needed to take that vision to market and help operators launch with confidence.”
The post DeGaming launches Web3 iGaming platform, names Ulle Skottling CEO appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Casino Aztar
Century Casinos Announces Appointment to Top Leadership Role in the US
Century Casinos Inc. announced that Lyle Randolph, a long-term regional Vice President and General Manager of the Company, will take over as Executive Vice President of Operations for the US.
Mr. Randolph will be appointed to this new role effective May 15, 2026. As Executive Vice President of Operations for the US, Mr. Randolph will oversee the Company’s seven U.S. properties. These casinos comprise a combined 4701 slot machines, 93 table games, 2127 hotel rooms, and over 20 food and beverage venues.
Mr. Randolph is a veteran gaming and hospitality executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in casino operations, hotel and food & beverage management, capital development, and multi-property strategic oversight. He began his gaming career in 1995 at Casino Aztar in Missouri. When Isle of Capri Casinos acquired the property, he became General Manager of both Caruthersville and Cape Girardeau. Throughout his leadership tenure, he successfully navigated the properties through multiple ownership transitions involving Isle of Capri Casinos and Eldorado Resorts while operating under the leadership and mentorship of notable gaming industry executives including James Perry, Virginia McDowell, Eric Hausler, Gary Carano, and Tom Reeg. These experiences provided exposure to a broad spectrum of leadership philosophies ranging from entrepreneurial founder-led management and family-driven regional gaming growth to highly analytical, public-company expansion strategies. During his tenure with Isle of Capri Casinos, Mr. Randolph received the company’s Jack Galloway Award recognizing leadership and operational achievement.
Since Century Casinos’ acquisition of the Missouri properties in 2019, Mr. Randolph has served as Vice President of Operations for both Missouri casino properties. Mr. Randolph has overseen more than $80 million in combined capital development projects, which has resulted in Adjusted EBITDAR growing over 70% under his leadership.
In addition to his operational responsibilities, Mr. Randolph has remained active in civic, charitable, and industry leadership initiatives throughout his career, including statewide advisory appointments and leadership roles with regional business, tourism, humanitarian, and gaming organizations, underscoring his understanding of the value of responsible corporate citizenship. Mr. Randolph’s established track record as a results-oriented and effective leader will continue to drive the Company’s growth within the gaming and hospitality industry.
The post Century Casinos Announces Appointment to Top Leadership Role in the US appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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