Industry News

GamCare Teams Up with YGAM to Bring Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme to Northern Ireland

Published

5 years ago

December 10, 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes

GamCare has teamed up with the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) to bring an education and support programme to Northern Ireland, with the mission of safeguarding young generation from gambling and gaming-related harms.

The Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme is a ground-breaking initiative supported by members of the Betting and Gaming Council and has already been rolled out across England and Wales. Both charities deliver evidence-led workshops and resources to teachers, youth workers and directly to young people to help raise awareness of the issues and help prevent harm.

The move has been welcomed by prominent politician Robbie Butler MLA who is the Chair of the Gambling Related Harm in Stormont. Mr Butler has campaigned for new laws to help protect people from gambling-related harms.

“I welcome this social gaming and digital resilience initiative from Youth Work Alliance. When the APG launched our inquiry into how new legislation can reduce gambling related harms, we made it clear that prevention is better than cure. The stronger gambling laws we are hoping for in Northern Ireland need to be backed up by better education to stop harm before it occurs. So therefore, it is hugely encouraging to see the Youth Work Alliance working with YGAM and GamCare to educate and support our young people,” Robbie Butler said.

Youth Work Alliance, a charity based in Belfast, is working with YGAM to deliver evidence-led and evaluated training to teachers and youth workers, in addition to giving them access to City & Guilds assured training and education resources which provide a full curriculum of lesson plans for primary and secondary age children as well as youth work specific resources.

“The work we are doing with YGAM, working alongside GamCare, delivering their training and resources on the ground here in Belfast and across Northern Ireland is going to be a huge benefit to our local communities. Gambling-related harms have been presented as a hidden issue in Northern Ireland for many years, which makes it even more vital for us to ensure children and vulnerable people are informed, educated and safeguarded against the potential harms associated with gambling and increasingly, gaming too,” Stephen Hughes, Development Manager at Youth Work Alliance, said.

“The expansion of our work into Northern Ireland is a great step for this programme. The partnership relationship really makes this work unique so I’m really pleased we, alongside YGAM, will be working with the Youth Work Alliance. No matter where young people are located the challenges they face when dealing with gambling harms are the same. The Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme will give young people in Northern Ireland the opportunity to explore how gambling might be affecting them in a safe and trusted environment, giving them the tools to make good decisions,” Anna Hemmings, CEO of GamCare, said.

“Having seen first-hand the impact that our work has had in the places we have already rolled out the National Gambling Education Programme in partnership with GamCare, I am thrilled that we are now able, with the support of Youth Work Alliance, to start delivering the programme in Northern Ireland. As well as educating, informing, and safeguarding, it is also vital that we raise awareness and start a conversation about those very personal experiences of gambling related harms in communities across Northern Ireland,” Lee Willows, Founder and CEO of YGAM, said.

Blueprint Gaming

Blueprint Gaming names Mattia Luchesini Head of International Account Management

Published

55 minutes ago

February 12, 2026

Wladimir P.

blueprint-gaming-names-mattia-luchesini-head-of-international-account-management

Blueprint Gaming has named Mattia Luchesini as Head of Account Management – International, enhancing its commercial leadership as the company continues to grow in regulated markets.

In his new position, Mattia will oversee Blueprint’s global account management function, prioritizing the establishment of strategic operator partnerships and fostering ongoing growth in vital regions. He will collaborate closely with commercial, product, and delivery teams to guarantee that partners receive support through a cooperative, value-oriented strategy.

Mattia comes to Blueprint from Games Global, where he dedicated more than two and a half years to senior account management positions, fostering robust relationships with operators throughout EMEA and acquiring substantial experience in international market dynamics.

This recent appointment demonstrates Blueprint Gaming’s ongoing investment in its commercial strengths, guaranteeing that partners receive support from seasoned leadership while the company advances its growth strategy.

Mattia Luchesini, Head of Account Management – International at Blueprint Gaming, said: “It’s a great opportunity to join Blueprint at a time of strong international momentum.

“The business has a clear vision and a reputation for working closely with its partners, and I’m looking forward to contributing to that approach while helping to drive growth across global markets.”

Matt Cole, Managing Director at Blueprint Gaming, added: “Mattia brings valuable international experience and a strong understanding of what operators need from a long-term content partner.

“His appointment supports our continued focus on strengthening relationships and delivering a high standard of account management as Blueprint grows its global footprint.”

The post Blueprint Gaming names Mattia Luchesini Head of International Account Management appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

GR8 Tech

GR8 Tech Introduces Swipe-Based Matchmaking for iGaming

Published

3 days ago

February 9, 2026

Wladimir P.

gr8-tech-introduces-swipe-based-matchmaking-for-igaming

The most compelling relationship narratives seldom begin with a sales presentation. They start with a spark, a bond, with something unique that’s difficult to describe.

This Valentine’s Day, GR8 Tech suggests setting aside formal meetings and allowing chemistry to lead with its “Perfect iGaming Match,” resembling Tinder: operators can swipe through GR8 Tech solutions and products like profiles on a dating app, connecting with those that suit their business: quick, straightforward, and with undeniable chemistry.

Prefer it fast and direct to GGR? Perhaps the Infinite Casino Aggregation will grab your attention.

Are you involved in domination and affiliate management? Discover what Aff.Tech offers…

Consider that a date is most enjoyable when safety is a priority? Risk Management completely concurs!

However—no additional spoilers. It’s time to swipe and discover for yourself.

How operators can find “the one”:
● Swipe-based discovery: Like any good Valentine’s day flirt, swipe right on what feels like “the one,” left on what doesn’t.
● Find the right product fast: From sportsbook to full turnkey, operators can meet their perfect match immediately.
● Start the right conversation: Once there’s a match, operators aren’t starting from scratch. They’re starting from “this is what we need.”

“Choosing the right tech stack shouldn’t feel like an endless first date with spreadsheets,” said Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech. “This Valentine’s Day experience makes it fun to explore what you actually need, and makes it easier to start the right conversation with our team. When operators match with the right solutions, everything gets smoother: launches, growth, and day-to-day operations.”

This Valentine’s Day, GR8 Tech encourages operators to bypass the uncomfortable chit-chat, engage purposefully, and explore how compatibility manifests when technology, growth, and operations align seamlessly.

The post GR8 Tech Introduces Swipe-Based Matchmaking for iGaming appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Bala Ganesan

John Connelly Steps Down as Interblock CEO

Published

6 days ago

February 6, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

john-connelly-steps-down-as-interblock-ceo

Interblock, the global leader in luxury gaming products, announced that John Connelly has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors has appointed Bala Ganesan, Interblock’s former interim Chief Operating Officer and a Managing Director at Oaktree Capital Management, to serve as interim CEO while a comprehensive search is conducted for a permanent successor. Oaktree-advised investment funds own a majority of the equity interests in Interblock.

“On behalf of the Board and the entire Interblock team, we thank John for his many years of service. Under his guidance, Interblock experienced significant growth driven by a clear vision and entrepreneurial execution. As the Company enters its next phase of growth and innovation, the Board is focused on building a world-class, scalable operating platform and ensuring Interblock is led by the right executive to capitalize on emerging opportunities and sustain its strong growth trajectory,” said David Quick, Interblock Board member.

Mr. Ganesan brings extensive executive leadership and business transformation experience through his role as a Managing Director on the Portfolio Transformation team at Oaktree. He joined Oaktree in 2017 from Yum! Brands, where he led major growth initiatives and the operational and digital transformation of Taco Bell. Previously, Mr. Ganesan led corporate and business strategy, commercial growth, and turnaround initiatives at Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Mattel, Inc. He also served as a senior leader in McKinsey & Company’s operational transformation practice, advising Fortune 500 companies across the consumer, technology, manufacturing, medical devices, energy, and financial services sectors. Mr. Ganesan acted as the Company’s interim Chief Operating Officer from 2024 to 2025.

“Interblock is exceptionally well positioned for continued growth, underpinned by a talented team, industry-leading innovation, and strong customer partnerships. I am honored to support the Company during this transition and remain focused on serving our customers and partners,” said Mr. Ganesan.

Mr. Quick added: “We are fortunate to have Bala step in as interim CEO at this important time. During his tenure as interim COO, Bala demonstrated outstanding leadership, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of our business and industry. The Board has full confidence in his ability to guide Interblock through this transition and ensure we continue to deliver value to our customers and partners.”

The Board has engaged an executive search firm to identify Interblock’s next permanent CEO. During this period, Interblock remains fully committed to advancing its strategic priorities and delivering the high-quality products and services that define the Interblock brand.

The post John Connelly Steps Down as Interblock CEO appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.