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Julie Harrington to Step Down as BHA Chief Executive at the End of 2024

Published

2 years ago

June 13, 2024

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Julie Harrington has announced that she will leave her job as Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) at the end of the year after four years in the role.

Julie has overseen significant changes to the BHA and British Horseracing including a new governance structure, achieving cross-industry support for the sport’s long-term Industry Strategy and setting its underpinning architecture securely in place, structural and operational changes at the BHA itself, work on a new People Strategy with the introduction of the Horseracing Industry People Board, and a renewed focus on improving commercial opportunities.

Commenting on her decision to step down, Julie said: “With so much now in place to develop and grow the Industry Strategy, which will secure a brighter future for British horseracing, it felt like the right time to move on and let someone else steer the sport through its next exciting phase.

“It has been a huge privilege to lead the BHA during what has been a period of real change as the sport has developed and implemented shared strategies for a sustainable future, and an ability to speak with one united voice.

“I love working in horseracing, it is an amazing sport to be involved in. I will always be a fan and you can expect to see me at the races in the years ahead. I am proud of the progress the industry has made over the past three years, especially in improving the governance structure, and I hope that racing’s stakeholders will continue to work together cooperatively to attract new audiences, further improve the customer experience and grow the sport.

“I am confident that if the sport continues to foster the sense of unity and shared purpose that we have developed over the past few years then great things can be achieved.

“My future plans are likely to include a move to a varied non-executive career. Although I took the decision to stand down some time ago, I have agreed to stay on until the end of year to allow a smooth transition to a new CEO.

“The BHA Board is already engaged in the search for Joe’s successor as Chair and informing the Board of my intentions now gives the nominations committee the opportunity to plan an orderly handover, consider the complementary skills of candidates and allow the new Chair to be part of the final stages of CEO recruitment.

“British Horseracing is one of the cornerstones of our sporting and cultural heritage. I will be forever thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it, both during my tenures at Northern Racing, on the BHA Board and most recently as CEO of the BHA. I wish it every success in the years to come.”

Joe Saumarez Smith will step down as Chair of the BHA at the end of May 2025 and the recruitment process for his replacement commenced last month.

Joe Saumarez Smith said: “Julie has been a fantastic chief executive for the BHA and has done a huge amount for the industry since her appointment. We have been lucky to have her in charge and she will be difficult to replace. I am grateful she has agreed to stay on to the end of the year to allow us to recruit her replacement and to ensure a smooth transition.

“During Julie’s tenure we have completely changed the governance of the sport and the BHA’s role within it. Her influencing skills, often behind-the-scenes, have been key to that change and also in the positive adjustments made to the Gambling Act White Paper that posed such a threat to our sport.

“Four years at the top of any sport demands total focus, concentration and enormous amounts of energy and Julie has delivered all of these, in what at times has been a challenging stakeholder and political environment. I, and the BHA Board, fully understand why she has taken this decision now and wish her every success in her future roles.”

Julie also paid tribute to her executive team and the BHA staff, stating: “We have a hugely talented and passionate team at the BHA. From the executive leadership team, those working day in, day out on course or from our new smaller HQ in Holborn Gate, it really is a team effort. It is a team that has undergone a great deal of change in the past few years and one that is dedicated to delivering for our sport. With a busy period ahead, the whole BHA will remain focused on delivering a great service.”

The post Julie Harrington to Step Down as BHA Chief Executive at the End of 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Edvardas Sadovskis CPO at ICONIC21

ICONIC21 Reimagines Myth: Medusa vs. Perseus — The Stone Duel

Published

26 minutes ago

February 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

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Intense volatility collides with player-led decisions in a quest for epic 10,000x rewards.

History is shaped by those who win, but in Medusa vs Perseus: Stone Duel, the new slot from sought-after iGaming creator ICONIC21, the result lies with the player.

Transforming one of history’s most renowned rivalries into a 5×5 grid format, ICONIC21 offers a game characterized by intensity, impressive visuals, and clear mechanics.

Central to the conflict are the Full Reel Wilds. When these giants collide, they showcase a potent Multiplier that affects each winning line it connects with. As more Wilds appear and line up, the effect becomes even greater.

The experience genuinely deepens when players select their champion during the Free Spins round:

Perseus’ Momentum: Each Wild fuels an increasing Global Multiplier, culminating in a peak of victories.

Medusa’s Control: Expanding Wilds secure their position, transforming the reels into a pathway of ongoing winning opportunities.

With a maximum win of 10,000 times the stake, the bets align with the magnitude of the legend. The title is crafted to attract a wide audience.

Edvardas Sadovskis, CPO at ICONIC21, said: “With Medusa vs Perseus: Stone Duel, we wanted to move beyond the standard ‘Ancient Greece’ tropes. By giving players the choice between Perseus’ scaling power or Medusa’s sticky persistence, we’re adding a layer of strategy to the volatility.

“This game is about the drama of the duel. For operators, this translates into deeper engagement and great performance, as players try to master both paths to the 10,000x treasure.

“This is a milestone addition to our portfolio. By delivering a diverse mix of math profiles and mechanics, we have firmly established ICONIC21 as a must-have supplier for any forward-thinking operator.”

The post ICONIC21 Reimagines Myth: Medusa vs. Perseus — The Stone Duel appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Gran Madrid | Casino Online

TaDa Strikes Partnership Deal with Spain’s Top Casino Operator Gran Madrid

Published

26 minutes ago

February 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

tada-strikes-partnership-deal-with-spain’s-top-casino-operator-gran-madrid

TaDa Gaming, a top content provider for the iGaming sector, and Gran Madrid | Casino Online, Spain’s inaugural DGOJ licensed casino, have entered into an agreement that enables Spanish players to access TaDa’s distinctive slot and crash games. Distribution occurs via Light & Wonder Inc.

This new partnership marks TaDa’s initial foray into Spain and strengthens the provider’s successful expansion in regulated European markets. Gran Madrid | Casino Online participants will have the opportunity to enjoy TaDa’s certified collection featuring the Fortune Gems, TriLuck’, and Hit the Cash’ branded games.

The Hit the Cash hallmark of Multipliers, Lock & Respin, and fixed Jackpots has generated considerable interest, with Joker Coins and Fortune Coins now leading releases in Europe.

TaDa’s engaging crash titles include ice hockey, football, and space adventures, along with comical versions featuring a chicken crossing the road and a frog jumping over a lily pond. Go Rush, the dual betting rocket game will be the initial launch in Spain.

Established in 1981, Gran Madrid | Casino Online received its official online gaming license in 2011, becoming the first licensed and recognized online casino in Spain. The groundbreaking operator has since thrived, acquiring tier one content from international suppliers and now provides more than 4,000 titles to its clientele.

Sean Liu, Director of Product Development, TaDa Gaming, said: ‘Our successful growth strategy is based on working with leading operators in each new market. Gran Madrid | Casino Online’s deep heritage in Spanish gaming and reputation for innovative and quality experiences provide the optimum framework for our entry to the Spanish market.’

José Félix Herreros, Country Manager, Gran Madrid | Casino Online, followed: ‘Having built our brand for innovation, working with a provider of TaDa Gaming’s calibre reinforces our position as the leading online casino platform in Spain. We are looking forward to working together on some exciting new experiences for our players.’

The post TaDa Strikes Partnership Deal with Spain’s Top Casino Operator Gran Madrid appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Africa

State of the African Video Game Industry 2026: Xsolla Backs SpielFabrique’s Definitive Market Report

Published

11 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Wladimir P.

state-of-the-african-video-game-industry-2026:-xsolla-backs-spielfabrique’s-definitive-market-report

Xsolla today announced its support for State of the African Video Game Industry 2026, a comprehensive new report from SpielFabrique and researcher PhD Prince Oguguo that maps the size, structure, and growth dynamics of Africa’s fast-evolving games ecosystem. The study delivers data-driven insight into developer realities, market infrastructure, monetization trends and strategic recommendations for partners and investors.

Key findings at a glance

Market size: Africa’s video games industry generated approximately $1.8 billion in revenue in 2024, driven predominantly by mobile gaming (≈90% of the market).
Growth drivers: A young, mobile-first population, rising smartphone adoption and broader digital services are fueling above-average expansion across the continent.
Structural challenges: Persistent pain points include payment friction, limited funding, uneven internet and platform infrastructure, and the lack of a unified continental market.
Diverse ecosystems: The report stresses regional variation — with deep dives into Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco — showing how local payment systems, regulation and culture shape monetization and discoverability.

Why this report matters

“Supporting research like this helps ground industry conversations in real data and lived developer experience,” said Ilayda Bayari, VP of Business Development, MEA + Southern Europe at Xsolla. The report equips publishers, platforms, investors and policy-makers with actionable intelligence to build more sustainable partnerships with African developers.

Focus areas and recommendations

SpielFabrique’s study examines three critical levers for growth:

Payments & distribution: Local payment methods and mobile money are essential to improve conversion and lifetime value for African titles.
Funding & infrastructure: Targeted investment and improved developer tools/platforms are needed to scale studios beyond domestic markets.
Talent & esports: Clearer talent pathways, education programmes and esports ecosystems will strengthen local production and audience engagement.

Regional snapshots

The research highlights how national differences influence outcomes: strong indie scenes in Nigeria and Kenya, established studios and distribution channels in South Africa, and growing developer communities in North African markets such as Egypt and Morocco.

Launch and supporting activity

The State of the African Video Game Industry 2026 report became available on January 29, 2026, and was launched with a coordinated website feature, social media rollout and a post-launch community webinar to share insights and facilitate industry discussion.

Voices from the field

“After more than seven years working alongside African game makers and ecosystem builders, I’m proud to share this comprehensive overview of where the market stands today,” said Pr. Odile Limpach, Co-founder of SpielFabrique. The report aims to catalyze cooperation and make markets more visible — enabling partners to act on opportunities while appreciating local challenges.

The post State of the African Video Game Industry 2026: Xsolla Backs SpielFabrique’s Definitive Market Report appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.