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The Betting and Gaming Council Appoints Entain’s Simon Clare to the Horserace Betting Levy Board

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The Betting and Gaming Council has aappointed Entain’s Simon Clare to the Horserace Betting Levy Board.

The HBLB administers a proportion of profits from bookmakers to improve breeding, advance veterinary science in the sport and contribute to the wider improvement of horseracing. It is administered by a board of seven members, including one appointment from the BGC, to represent bookmakers.

Entain Customer Communications Director Simon Clare formally replaced Mike O’Kane on October 7.

BGC members are expected to contribute to £105m in Levy payments to the HBLB for last year, according to figures released in May. The contribution, provided by the independent HBLB, is an increase of £5m on the previous year. As a result of this additional funding, the HBLB announced an increase of £3.2m in its prize money contribution for 2024 versus 2023, from £67.3m to £70.5m.

It is the third year in a row that Levy contributions have increased, from £97m in 2021/22, to £100m in 2022/2023 and now £105m in 2023/2024.

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “We’re delighted Simon is joining the HBLB.

“He brings an unrivalled wealth of experience from his many years with Ladbrokes and Coral, where he has become respected as a vocal and passionate champion of the sport.

“I know his wisdom and knowledge will be crucial assets to the HBLB over the coming years. I would also like to pay tribute to Mike O’Kane who has been an excellent representative to the HBLB on behalf of BGC members.

“Over his time with the HBLB Mike has brought a strong voice for the sector to the Board at a time of significant change for racing and also record Levy contributions. We wish Mike well in the future and are delighted to welcome Simon to the HBLB.”

Simon has spent close to three decades in the betting and horseracing sectors. After graduating with a Degree in Politics at Liverpool University in 1992, he was accepted on The Jockey Club Graduate Scheme, where he had a placement with the Horserace Betting Levy Board.

After a spell at the Jockey Club, and then the newly formed British Horseracing Board in an Executive Assistant role, Simon then joined Ladbrokes as a PR Manager in 1996, before joining Coral in 1997 to become their Racing PR Manager.

Following the merger with Ladbrokes in 2016, Simon became responsible for PR, Sponsorship and Social Media for both brands, and is now the Customer Communications Director for Entain UK Brands – responsible for PR, Sponsorship and Social Media for Ladbrokes, Coral, Gala, Foxy and Partypoker.

He has been a longtime, passionate supporter of horse racing, and even learned to ride in 2014 before taking part in a charity race at the 2015 Cheltenham Festival.

Entain Customer Communications Director Simon Clare, said: “I am extremely honoured to be joining the Horserace Betting Levy Board as the betting representative.

“Mike O’Kane will be a hard act to follow, and I would like to thank him for the great contribution he has made in his time in the role.

“I have been fortunate to have enjoyed a long and varied career within the betting industry with Coral, now Entain, alongside a lifelong passion for horse racing and all major sports, so will hopefully be able to make a valuable contribution to the Board.”

The post The Betting and Gaming Council Appoints Entain’s Simon Clare to the Horserace Betting Levy Board appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Haaland

International bettors back Haaland’s Norway to beat England in World Cup Quarter Final Clash

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Kaizen Gaming shares Betano users’ predictions on teams heading to the World Cup semi-finals

As the World Cup moves into the last eight stage, Kaizen Gaming unveils exclusive proprietary data from its Betano platform, which reveals Argentina, Norway, Spain and France as the most backed teams by users globally to progress into the semi-finals.

Predicting the teams to qualify to the semi-finals (selections from the “To Qualify” market):

  • Norway backed by 75% of users to qualify over England
  • Argentina favoured by 80% of users to win over Switzerland
  • Spain narrowly predicted to come out on top over Belgium with 55% of users’ bets
  • France has been selected by 67% of users to pass through Morocco

 

With regards to two of the biggest surprises of the tournament this far, Brazil’s defeat to Norway and Germany’s elimination by Paraguay, it seems that for Betano users the shock wasn’t that big. In fact, 42% of users had seen Paraguay’s qualification coming, and 45% had predicted Norway getting through Brazil to reach the quarterfinals.

*The data shared has been extracted on the morning of July 8, 2026 from across 18 markets, excluding the UK. The international data sources may vary according to betting option availability per market. 

The post International bettors back Haaland’s Norway to beat England in World Cup Quarter Final Clash appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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PG Soft names Hugo Baungartner as General Manager LatAm

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PG Soft, a world-class digital mobile games company, has appointed Hugo Baungartner as General Manager LatAm to accelerate its continued success across the region. Baungartner will be responsible for driving PG Soft’s commercial expansion across Latin America, while leading the games provider’s strategy in Brazil where it has already captured a significant share of the market. Brazil continues to enjoy strong growth and is entering a pivotal phase in the regulation of its gaming sector, with the latest election on the horizon. With over 29 years in technology and gaming, Baungartner has previously held leadership roles at Grupo Aposta Ganha, RCT Gaming,  Prohards and most recently Esportes Gaming Brasil.

During his time in the industry, Baungartner has built an extensive network across Latin America’s regulatory landscape, forging strong relationships with key regulators, industry associations and public bodies, including Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA/MF), the Federal Revenue Service, and COAF, as well as Mexico’s Dirección General de Juegos y Sorteos and AIEJA (the Mexican Gaming Association).

PG Soft’s continued support of major regional events, including its sponsorship of BiS SiGMA South America earlier this year  in São Paulo, further highlights the company’s long-term commitment to Brazil and the wider Latin American market.

Hugo Baungartner, General Manager LatAm at PG Soft, commented: “PG Soft’s brand needs no introduction in Latin America thanks to its extensive portfolio of world-class, mobile-first games that resonate strongly with players. The company is only just getting started in the region, and I look forward to building on its success in Brazil while expanding PG Soft’s presence across regulated markets throughout Latin America.”

The post PG Soft names Hugo Baungartner as General Manager LatAm appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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BC.GAME signs Guillermo Ochoa to support Mexico growth strategy

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  • Partnership supports BC.GAME’s continued investment in the regulated Mexican market

  • Ochoa will front football-led brand activity, local promotions and fan engagement for BCGAME.mx

  • Agreement comes during a landmark summer for football across Mexico, the United States and Canada

BC.GAME has announced the signing of Mexican football legend Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa as brand ambassador, as the global online entertainment platform continues to build its presence in Mexico through BCGAME.mx.

The partnership represents a significant step in BC.GAME’s localised growth strategy, with Ochoa set to support football-led brand communications, promotions and fan engagement activity designed specifically for Mexican audiences.

As one of the most recognisable figures in Mexican football, Ochoa brings strong local credibility and international profile to BC.GAME at a time when football culture in Mexico is attracting heightened global attention.

For BC.GAME, the agreement is intended to strengthen brand awareness and trust around BCGAME.mx, its licensed platform for the Mexican market, while supporting the company’s wider strategy of building closer connections with users in regulated markets through sport, esports and entertainment partnerships.

Kar Kheng Giam, CEO of BC.GAME, said: “Mexico is an important market for BC.GAME, and localisation is central to how we build meaningful relationships with users.

“Guillermo Ochoa is more than an outstanding goalkeeper. He is a figure who genuinely connects with Mexican football fans across generations, and that makes him an ideal ambassador for BCGAME.mx.

“As we continue to invest in our platform for the Mexican market, we want to work with partners who understand the culture, passion and community around football. Ochoa’s profile, professionalism and connection with fans make him a natural fit for BC.GAME.”

Known to fans as “Memo”, Ochoa has been one of the defining Mexican footballers of his generation. His long-standing role with the national team, standout performances in major international tournaments and club career across Mexico and Europe have made him a familiar name to football fans around the world.

Through the partnership, Ochoa will appear across BC.GAME’s Mexican market activity, including football-themed content, localised promotions and fan engagement campaigns for BCGAME.mx.

Guillermo Ochoa said: “I am very happy to partner with BC.GAME at such a special time for Mexican football.

“Football has always been about passion, community and shared experiences. I look forward to working with BC.GAME and BCGAME.mx to connect with fans in new ways.”

The signing adds to BC.GAME’s growing sports entertainment strategy, which has seen the brand expand its presence through football, esports and wider entertainment partnerships.

BC.GAME continues to develop its brand in markets where it is permitted to operate, with responsible gaming remaining an important part of its platform experience.

The post BC.GAME signs Guillermo Ochoa to support Mexico growth strategy appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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