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Gambling Business Group Appoints Steve Sharp as Chairman

Published

5 years ago

January 25, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

British cross-sector organisation Gambling Business Group has appointed Steve Sharp, an executive with Gauselmann Group’s UK arm, as its new chairman.

Steve is having 40 years of experience in the gambling industry. He has gained an unrivalled breadth of experience representing high profile organisations including Global Draw/SG, Inspired Gaming Group, Stanleybet Group and Leisure Link.

Peter Hannibal, chief executive of Gambling Business Group, said: “With over four decades in UK gambling and from humble beginnings as a Service Engineer, through to clocking up some 13-years working with SG Gaming – formerly Global Draw – Steve has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience touching most, if not all gambling products and services. That same breadth of insight and knowledge also underpins his current role working across the Gauselmann UK owned brands active across the AGC, Bingo and Pub sectors.

The industry is facing arguably its most challenging year on record for both consumer-facing brands and the business supply chain which has been largely overlooked by the government support measures during Covid. Added to this we have what is the increasingly toxic negative narrative being driven by groups lobbying against the industry and of course the government’s review of the 2005 Gambling Act which itself represents a once in a generation opportunity to bring gambling up to speed with other sectors in the entertainment and retail space.

There has never been a more crucial time for the Gambling Business Group to ensure that members’ interests are represented through evidence-based arguments and a compelling vision for the future. I welcome Steve to the role of GBG Chair and the opportunity to draw on his cross-sector experience as we navigate these unprecedented challenges.”

Steve Sharp said: “The Gambling Business Group has recorded some notable achievements since its formation seven years ago and it has done so by bringing a strategic approach to the development of the industry and also to its engagement with government.

I am honoured to be named as GBG Chairman and I look forward to bringing my hands-on, 40+ year career experience including my current role with Gauselmann UK to the task. The Review of Gambling is a seminal opportunity which we cannot waste. It provides a chance to re-set the gambling entertainment proposition that we are able to provide consumers set against a robust commitment to safe gambling which is at the heart of everything GBG members do.”

AI

Veikkaus rolls out OpenBet’s Neccton responsible gambling platform ahead of 2027 reform

Published

22 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

veikkaus-rolls-out-openbet’s-neccton-responsible-gambling-platform-ahead-of-2027-reform

Veikkaus will deploy the latest version of OpenBet’s Neccton AI-enhanced responsible gambling platform across its digital and retail channels, the companies said on 16 June 2026. The rollout comes as Finland’s newly approved Gambling Act increases operator obligations to spot and address risky gambling behaviour early, including active intervention where risk indicators emerge.

OpenBet said the Neccton platform is designed to identify potentially risky gambling behaviour in real time, generate automated alerts, and support tailored player interventions. The system summarises behavioural data, risk markers and historical context in plain language, and provides AI-assisted explanations intended to support compliance teams while maintaining human oversight.

Susanna Saikkonen, Vice President for Sustainability at Veikkaus, said: “Veikkaus’ individual gambling safety net model is based on identifying risky gambling as early as possible and offering players both support and concrete limitations. The Neccton platform provides us with an ISO-certified, extensively security tested and scientifically validated tool that strengthens our ability to identify risk and support our customers in gambling responsibly.”

Dr Michael Auer, Managing Director of Neccton at OpenBet, said: “In today’s regulatory environment, operators must demonstrate how they actively prevent gambling-related harm. The latest version of the Neccton platform enables real-time, data-driven intervention and measurable duty of care. We are proud to expand our partnership with Veikkaus to further strengthen its responsible gambling framework.”

The Neccton deployment extends Veikkaus’ existing relationship with OpenBet. OpenBet has been powering Veikkaus’ next-generation sportsbook platform and providing Managed Trading Services across digital and retail channels since May 2025, according to the companies. Veikkaus is preparing for Finland’s expected market liberalisation in 2027.

The post Veikkaus rolls out OpenBet’s Neccton responsible gambling platform ahead of 2027 reform appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Jani Kontturi Head of Games at SkillOnNet

SkillOnNet adds Octoplay casino games across its UK brands

Published

22 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

skillonnet-adds-octoplay-casino-games-across-its-uk-brands

Octoplay titles go live on PlayOJO, Genting, SpinGenie and MegawaysCasino, with more regulated markets planned.

SkillOnNet has launched Octoplay’s casino games across its UK iGaming sites, making the supplier’s content available to players on brands including PlayOJO, Genting, SpinGenie and MegawaysCasino.

The UK rollout includes Octoplay titles such as Vegas is Dead: Battle Arena, Shaolin Panda: Chaos Reels, and Serpent Gold: Hold and Win. SkillOnNet said it plans to expand the partnership into additional regulated markets in the coming months.

Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet said: “We’re delighted to welcome Octoplay to our platform in the UK. The studio has built a strong reputation for developing high-quality games that combine engaging mechanics with blockbuster production values. We are confident our players will love the content, and we’re excited to extend the partnership into additional regulated markets in the near future.

Ralitsa Georgieva, CEO at Octoplay: “Launching with SkillOnNet in the UK represents another important milestone for Octoplay. SkillOnNet operates some of the industry’s most established iGaming sites, and this partnership allows us to bring our games to a wider audience of players. We look forward to building on this initial launch and expanding together into further markets.”

The post SkillOnNet adds Octoplay casino games across its UK brands appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

iGaming content

Microgaming launches new Playboy-branded slot, Playboy Gems and Desires

Published

22 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

microgaming-launches-new-playboy-branded-slot,-playboy-gems-and-desires

Microgaming has launched Playboy Gems and Desires, the latest addition to its official Playboy-branded games portfolio.

The slot uses a reel set featuring Wild stacks that land on reels two, three and four. The game also uses a ways win structure as part of its presentation.

Free Spins are triggered by landing the letters B-U-N-N-Y. During the bonus, an active Win Multiplier can build, while Reel Jackpots and a Jackpot Wheel are also included.

Microgaming said the game includes “Personal Persistence”, which allows the Free Spins Multiplier and Reel Jackpots to carry across all bet levels. The supplier stated a maximum win potential of up to 5,000x the bet.

A Microgaming spokesperson said: “Playboy is a brand with instant recognition, but also a very clear sense of style, confidence and premium entertainment. With Playboy Gems and Desires, the aim was to capture that atmosphere in a way that feels authentic to the brand, while delivering a slot experience with real energy and broad player appeal. It is another strong addition to our official Playboy portfolio and one that reflects the quality and ambition behind the partnership.”

The post Microgaming launches new Playboy-branded slot, Playboy Gems and Desires appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.