Industry News
QTech Games confirms Epic merger
Asia’s top distributor merges with leading games reseller Epic Media to secure a trailblazing leadership team for growth markets
QTech Games, Asia’s number-one games distributor, has announced a major merger with leading games reseller, Epic Media, in order to bolster its platform’s position at the forefront of the industry for taking the best online games to market across emerging territories.
Under the terms of the reseller agreement, every component of QTech’s digital one-stop shop will be made available, from slots and table games to instant win, virtual sports and live casino games.
Epic Media is headed by industry trailblazers Staffan Lindgren and Ulf Norder, both of whom have a proven record for business development and scale-up success. Norder is a former Director of Development at Yggdrasil and Evolution Gaming, while Lindgren was a co-founder of NYX, which now forms a key part of Scientific Games.
Thanks to a recent partnership with Ezugi’s live-dealer portfolio, QTech Games now has an all-inclusive service for global operators, particularly across developing gaming spaces where demand for a comprehensive-yet-localised product set is paramount against a diverse backdrop of cultural trends and player preferences.
Markus Nasholm, Chairman of the Board at QTech Games, said: “We’re thrilled to have finalised this milestone merger with Epic Media, and delighted to have the combined experience and expertise of Staffan and Ulf on board. To have two of the most successful people in the gambling join QTech Games is a ringing endorsement of all our team’s hard work in recent years.
“It’s been another year of sustained growth at QTech, and their partnership will prove invaluable as we grow further and faster in more international markets. It’s also a real validation that QTech adopted the correct strategy from the outset with our ‘two cornerstones’ model. Firstly, beyond the fantastic games, fully owning the technology sets QTech apart, which enables us to offer a number of flexible features which no competitor can rival. And secondly, outside of Asia, we’ve secured strongholds in virtually all the margin markets, demonstrating organic growth across channel and border.”
Staffan Lindgren, Strategic Adviser to the Board, said: “I’ve been active in Asia for a long time but this is the ideal time to consolidate my hard-won experience in a more structured way with QTech Games. QTech is clearly the leader in Asia, and other key growth territories are quickly falling in line. Their propriety technology means they’re the only aggregator that is not just delivering fantastic games but also adding engaging features (such as QT Play’s AI-powered recommendation engine, alongside their Tournament and Jackpot elements) which make QTech’s position in the market unique. The rapid growth since the start has also been extremely impressive with yearly double-digit gains immediately taking the eye.”
Ulf Norder, VP / Director of sales, added: “For me, having previously been more active in Europe’s ‘margin markets’, this role is a perfect opportunity. QTech Games is the only company that has been active in all such markets. Indeed, they’re not just an Asian aggregator but are also attracting clients from all over the world. Latin America, Eastern Europe and they’re already in position to stake a firm claim in the Indian market, stealing a match on the competition. Together, I’m confident we can be even more successful.”
As the fastest-growing distributor in Asia over the past few years, QTech’s platform boasts the the most comprehensive gaming portfolio around, tailored for each region, with native mobile apps, powerful reporting and marketing tools, and 24/7 local-language support.
IAGA
The International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) Announces 2024 International Gaming Summit in Washington, D.C.
The International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) will hold its 41st International Gaming Summit Monday, May 27 through Thursday, May 30, 2024 at The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C.
As a premier event that brings together leaders from all global gaming sectors, the Summit will provide operators, suppliers, attorneys, investors, bankers, regulators and other advisor delegates with an unparalleled opportunity to meet and discuss the most important issues facing gaming.
“We are looking forward to holding this year’s 41st Annual International Gaming Summit in Washington, D.C., and are pleased to announce an agenda that includes a specific focus on some of the key sports betting issues the rapidly expanding US market is facing. As part of this focus, we will bring together representatives from global sports betting operators, regulatory agencies, professional sports leagues and other experts to discuss how the industry’s sports betting stakeholders can better work together to ensure a sustainable, responsible sports betting environment that is built on best practices lessons learned from other markets,” John Stawyskyj, President of IAGA, said.
“Beyond our sports betting focus, our diverse agenda includes discussions on other issues of importance including the growing impact of fraud and cyber breaches on regulated operators, a look into the federal and state lobbying process, an update on what’s happening in other gaming markets outside North America, a deep dive into new technologies and how they might impact gaming and more. I look forward to welcoming our delegates to Washington and participating with them in lively discussions about these critical issues and more,” Stawyskyj added.
Charlie Skinner
Marker Trax Appoints John Henderson as Senior Vice President of Operations
Marker Trax, a leader in cashless payment solutions for the gambling industry, has announced the appointment of John Henderson as its senior vice president of operations.
As the company continues solidifying its cashless payments sector leadership position, Henderson joins the team to play a key role in leading strategic planning efforts, executing new operator and customer initiatives, directing pursuit of key performance indicators, and ensuring overall product and technology quality control. He reports directly to, and will work closely with, Marker Trax President Charlie Skinner.
Henderson is a seasoned, energetic industry veteran who brings to Marker Trax more than four decades of success in delivering technology-based business solutions, leading innovation-forward companies seeking to increase their industry footprints and to solidify their market shares.
“We’re cementing our leadership position in the cashless space, and John is the right leader, at the right time, to help guide us there. He has tactical expertise, and a long track record of success in the IT space. More than that, though, he’s always eager to innovate – which aligns perfectly with our philosophy and goals. We’re lucky to have him on board,” Charlie Skinner, President of Marker Trax, said.
Immediately prior to joining Marker Trax, Henderson served as chief information officer at WorldStrides, a global leader in educational travel services, and helped the company navigate a business and IT transformation program. Henderson has also held client partner roles at Accenture, IBM, and Cognizant, and has served numerous global brands including Choice Hotels, Hilton Hotels, MGM Resorts, Wynn, Disney, and Royal Caribbean.
“Every step of his career, John’s shown natural aptitude for client relationship management and large-scale systems integrations, and a keen, tactical eye for optimizing performance at all levels of an operation. At Marker Trax, we’re increasing our market footprint through continual innovation, and John’s tactical leadership will be of tremendous benefit to reaching our goals,” Skinner said.
Henderson’s addition caps a prolific run of recent accomplishments for the company. It recently unveiled its innovative consumer product, Moolah Play, secured renewed commitment from partner and global payments leader Euronet Worldwide Inc., and is introducing its cashless credit technology into more markets around the country.
Affinity Interactive
Affinity Interactive Appoints Scott Butera as President & Chief Executive Officer
Affinity Interactive has announced the appointment of Scott Butera as President & Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Mr. Butera, who most recently led AI’s Sports Information Group (SIG) business, brings over 30 years of experience in gaming, hospitality, media, entertainment, and sports to the pivotal role. In his new capacity, Mr. Butera will set strategy and oversee operations of the Company’s diversified portfolio of casinos resorts across Nevada, Missouri, and Iowa. He will also continue to oversee all print and online media platforms, including Daily Racing Form.
Mr. Butera is an industry veteran who has a history of leading growth and innovation at numerous companies. As CEO of SIG, he led initiatives to develop retail and business products and optimize ecommerce sales for the Daily Racing Form. Under his leadership, SIG experienced significant growth in market share and revenue. Previously, Mr. Butera served as President of Fubo Gaming at Fubo TV Inc. He has also held CEO and President positions at MGM Resorts International, the Arena Football League, Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Tropicana Entertainment, and Trump Entertainment, among others. Earlier in his career, he worked as an investment banker for more than a decade, gaining valuable financial expertise that he later applied to strategic decision-making in the gaming industry. Mr. Butera has a B.A. from Trinity College, where he served as a Trustee, and an MBA from New York University.
“Scott’s operating acumen and deep knowledge of the gaming and entertainment industries have helped AI and Sports Information Group expand product offerings and improve the sports and gaming experience for consumers around the world. I am confident Scott will integrate seamlessly into this expanded role, and under his leadership, Affinity will achieve greater success, continuing to deliver world-class experiences to nearly 1 million users and guests across platforms,” James J. Zenni Jr., Chairman of Affinity Interactive, said.
“Affinity’s mission to elevate the gaming industry through advanced technology and unparalleled customer offerings – both across digital media platforms as well as in-person gaming – remains a driving force behind the business’ success. I am eager to collaborate with Jim and leverage my familiarity with the business as well as my passion for driving innovative change to execute on AI’s long-term strategic priorities,” Mr. Butera said.
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