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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.”

1X2 Network

1X2 Network launches in Finland via Veikkaus deal

Published

20 minutes ago

May 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

1x2-network-launches-in-finland-via-veikkaus-deal

Initial rollout brings 10 slots from Iron Dog Studio and Prospect Gaming to the state-owned operator, via Light & Wonder.

1X2 Network has entered the Finnish market after signing a content partnership with Veikkaus, Finland’s state-owned gaming operator.

Under the agreement, a selection of titles from 1X2 Network studios Iron Dog Studio and Prospect Gaming will go live for Finnish players for the first time. The initial rollout includes 10 games, with named titles including 3 HOT CHILLI PEPPERS, 3 PORKY BANKS HOLD and WIN EXTRA, BURN IN HELL, and PIÑATA GO GO.

1X2 Network said the integration was enabled through its collaboration with Light & Wonder, which is supplying the route to market for the content.

Kevin Reid, Chief Executive Officer at 1X2 Network said: “We are delighted to partner with Veikkaus and bring our games to players in Finland. Veikkaus has built a strong reputation as a trusted and responsible operator, and this launch represents an exciting opportunity for us to introduce titles from our flagship studios, Iron Dog Studio and Prospect Gaming to a brand-new audience.”

Riikka Seppänen, VP, iCasino at Veikkaus said: “We are pleased to welcome content from 1X2 Network to our platform. Their games offer engaging gameplay and popular features that we believe will resonate well with our players while supporting our commitment to delivering high quality and responsible entertainment.”

The post 1X2 Network launches in Finland via Veikkaus deal appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Digital Wallets

Neosurf reorganises operations as it targets Europe and the Americas expansion

Published

20 minutes ago

May 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

neosurf-reorganises-operations-as-it-targets-europe-and-the-americas-expansion

Neosurf has reorganised its operations as it prepares to scale products and expand across Europe and the Americas, the cash-to-digital payments provider said.

The company said the updated structure is intended to better support the rollout of “new market-ready products” and help it deliver its payment solutions “on a wider scale.” Neosurf did not disclose what specific organisational changes were made or whether the move affects headcount.

Neosurf also positioned the reorganisation as a way to improve agility in response to future regulatory changes, saying the company aims to remain flexible operationally and technologically as it moves into its “next major phase of its evolution.”

Andrea McGeachin, Global CEO at Neosurf, said: “As we continue to grow our new digital wallet products across Europe and the Americas, it’s important that our organisation evolves alongside our ambitions. Our new structure ensures that we’re built for agility, resilience, and long-term success, and we remain committed to our mission of bridging the gap between cash and digital payments with an optimised foundation that’s built to proactively anticipate and adapt to future regulatory change.”

Neosurf said it will share further updates on its plans “shortly.”

The post Neosurf reorganises operations as it targets Europe and the Americas expansion appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

appointments

GameOn appoints Fana Colette as Senior Social Media Manager

Published

20 minutes ago

May 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

gameon-appoints-fana-colette-as-senior-social-media-manager

GameOn has appointed Fana Colette as Senior Social Media Manager, as the B2B marketing agency expands its social media service capabilities.

Colette joins from Gambling.com Group, where GameOn said she helped grow social pages to “tens of thousands of followers,” combining creative storytelling with commercial objectives.

GameOn positioned the hire as a response to increasing demand for social media strategy across iGaming operators, suppliers and affiliates looking to differentiate in a crowded market. The company said Colette will add senior oversight to structured, audience-focused content planning.

In the role, Colette will work with GameOn’s existing clients and lead social media strategy for new accounts, according to the company.

Lizzie Thomas, Head of Social Media at GameOn, said: “Bringing Fana on board allows us to support the growing demand for sophisticated, senior-led social strategies.

“Her experience in building social profiles from the ground up and developing content that resonates with audiences aligns perfectly with how we approach social at GameOn.”

Fana Colette, Senior Social Media Manager at GameOn, added: “I’m excited to be joining GameOn at such a dynamic time for the business.

“Social media is such an important part of how brands build visibility, trust and engagement, and I’m looking forward to helping clients create content that is both strategically grounded and creatively strong.

“GameOn has a clear understanding of the iGaming space, and I’m excited to contribute to that with thoughtful, audience-focused social work.”

The post GameOn appoints Fana Colette as Senior Social Media Manager appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.