Industry News
Playtech Receives Takeover Proposal from JKO-led Consortium
The bidding war for Playtech has intensified as the company confirmed on Thursday that it has received a preliminary inquiry from JKO Play Limited, which is seeking access to certain due diligence information to explore the terms of the offer.
“Consistent with its fiduciary duties, and in accordance with Rule 21.3 of the Code, the Board further confirms that JKO has been provided with access to due diligence information for this purpose,” Playtech stated.
“Discussions with JKO are at an early stage and ongoing. As such, there can be no certainty that JKO’s approach will result in an offer for the Company, nor as to the terms on which any offer might be made.”
JKO’s interest came after Playtech received a £2.7 billion takeover bid from Australian gambling equipment maker, Aristocrat Leisure. Gopher Investments, which is a Playtech shareholder and is purchasing Finalto, also made a bid for the gaming software company.
JKO is controlled by former Formula One team-owner Eddie Jordan and Keith O’Loughlin, a former executive at U.S. slot machine maker Scientific Games. The offer will be made by a JKO-led consortium called JKO Play.
Despite the competitive bids, Playtech and Aristocrat have already agreed to the terms and the fate of the deal will be decided by shareholders voting on January 12.
“Aristocrat believes that the terms of the recommended acquisition and the compelling strategic rationale provides certainty for Playtech shareholders with no contingent value or other complicated structures for shareholders to realize value. Aristocrat also believes that the combined group will provide greater opportunities to Playtech employees,” Aristocrat said in a statement after JKO’s interest in Playtech.
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21.com
21.com launches online casino and sportsbook led by ex-BetVictor CEO Michael Carlton
21.com has launched as an online casino and sportsbook, naming industry veteran Michael Carlton as Founder & CEO, the company said on 16 June 2026.
The operator said it is targeting a range of global jurisdictions and plans to differentiate through a “modern technology stack” and “AI-centric operations.” It did not disclose target markets, licensing status, launch territories, or product partners.
Carlton previously served 13 years at EY as a Chartered Accountant before entering gaming in 1997, according to the company. He later spent 17 years as CEO of BetVictor and has since invested in betting and gaming companies.
Carlton said 21.com is being built without legacy platform constraints. “Having started in the gaming industry prior to the launch of the internet and then having the privilege of being involved as the industry evolved and adapted to the opportunities, there is now a further revolution occurring with the power created by embracing AI helping us to move faster and tailor personalised experience to the player.
“One of 21.com’s greatest strengths is that it is being developed for the current market, rather than an after-thought adaptation of an existing one. Many operators have been around for a long time and continue to be defined by legacy platforms and pre-crypto payment customer journeys that existed long before the modern technical tools that exist now became a reality. 21.com has embraced AI to deliver unparalleled customer experiences.
“With a team of industry leading experts with the motivation and ability to achieve our goals but without any legacy systems, 21.com is able to take advantage of new technologies to become a market leader in the gaming industry”.
The company also set aggressive commercial targets. “21.com will be one of the top three operators in every market it operates and in the world within two years,” Carlton said.
The post 21.com launches online casino and sportsbook led by ex-BetVictor CEO Michael Carlton appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Alex Scott Chief Product Officer at Tequity
Tequity appoints Alex Scott as Chief Product Officer
Former Microgaming poker MD and ex-WPT Global president joins as supplier pushes regulated-market expansion and new verticals.
Tequity has appointed Alex Scott as Chief Product Officer, adding a long-time iGaming executive to lead product vision and oversee the product lifecycle from conception to market launch.
Scott has more than 20 years of experience in the sector. He previously served as Managing Director of Poker at Microgaming and later led WPT Global as President.
The hire comes as Tequity expands its product structure, including the recent launch of Tequity Exclusives, a vertical for custom-built games that sits alongside its RGS, Originals and Publishing divisions. The company also said it has completed BMM Testlabs certification for its RNG and the first batch of Tequity Originals titles as it targets regulated markets.
Alex Scott, Chief Product Officer at Tequity, said: “Tequity is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in iGaming by harnessing the power of technology to streamline and elevate game development.
“It is an incredibly exciting time to join the team. I look forward to leading the product vision across our expanding divisions to deliver next-generation casino content to operators worldwide.”
Krzysztof Opałka, CEO at Tequity, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Alex to the team as we continue to move the business forward at pace. His two decades of industry leadership and pioneering, hands-on experience with AI-driven casino games make him the perfect fit to lead our product strategy.
“With our rapid recent progress across all of our divisions, his expertise will be invaluable in maximising the impact of our portfolio.” Scott will attend iGB Live in London next month as part of Tequity’s team.
The post Tequity appoints Alex Scott as Chief Product Officer appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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.
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