Industry News
888 Holdings Confirms Per Widerström as New Chief Executive
888 Holdings has confirmed that Per Widerström has now officially taken up the role of chief executive.
Interim chief executive Jonathan Mendelsohn will revert back to his original role as non-executive chair, alongside a new position in 888’s nominations committee, the company added.
Widerström takes charge of 888 after a tough year for the FTSE 250-listed betting firm.
Issues within subsidiary William Hill resulted in the company being hit with a record fine of £19.2 million in March this year.
This had followed regulatory scrutiny over 888’s money-laundering protections within its Middle Eastern operations, which prompted the departure of former boss Itai Pazner in January.
Widerström’s appointment has been tipped to steady the ship at 888 therefore, with even this coming after an attempt by activist investor FS Gaming for control of the firm.
“Widerstrom’s appointment could open up a new, more positive chapter for the group,” interactive investor analyst Victoria Scholar commented previously.
Industry News
Ex-Paysafe VP Justin Fraser takes chief revenue officer role at Yaspa to drive global growth
Yaspa, the renowned fintech focusing on instant payments and identity solutions, today reveals the appointment of Justin Fraser as its Chief Revenue Officer.
Fraser becomes part of Yaspa’s executive team during a crucial period of global growth. He has more than 20 years of commercial leadership experience in the payments ecosystem, having occupied senior leadership positions at notable industry companies like Cybersource, Visa, and Paysafe.
Having a career centered on maneuvering through intricate payment environments, he offers knowledge in rapidly expanding, regulated sectors such as iGaming, cryptocurrency, and financial technology.
As the new CRO, Fraser will manage Yaspa’s worldwide commercial strategy, concentrating on expanding the company’s Intelligent Payment platform, which integrates open banking with AI-powered customer insights, throughout the UK, Europe, and North America.
Yaspa CEO James Neville said: “We are thrilled to welcome Justin to the team during this period of rapid acceleration. His deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments and his proven track record in scaling payment solutions are invaluable assets as we expand our footprint in the US and beyond. Justin’s appointment further strengthens our leadership as we continue to help businesses lower costs, grow revenues, and enhance financial compliance through open banking.”
Justin Fraser said: “Yaspa is at the forefront of the shift toward real-time payments. The company’s unique blend of open banking and AI-verified insights solves genuine friction for merchants, particularly in industries like iGaming. I am excited to join such an innovative team and look forward to driving the next phase of our commercial growth globally.”
Fraser will collaborate closely with the recently strengthened US team, which includes the newly appointed US Sales Lead, Peter Kula, and US Senior Solutions Manager, Jackson Esoda.
This statement comes after a year of significant growth for Yaspa, highlighted by increasing its workforce from 15 to 75 employees and successfully securing a $12 million investment round spearheaded by Discerning Capital. In this timeframe, the firm broadened its international presence with new ventures in Atlanta and Leeds, while winning esteemed honors such as the 2025 Payments Award for Real-Time Payments Innovation and a spot on the CB Insights Top 100 Fintech list.
The post Ex-Paysafe VP Justin Fraser takes chief revenue officer role at Yaspa to drive global growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Blueprint Gaming
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
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.
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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.
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