Press Releases

UK’s Betting and Gaming Council announced that Kevin Schofield has been appointed as Director of Communications and Digital

Published

6 years ago

February 27, 2020

Kevin will be joining the Betting and Gaming Council in summer, from his current role as editor of PoliticsHome.

The Betting and Gaming Council is the new standards body committed to setting the highest industry standards and to building consumer and public trust in the betting and gaming industry.

Kevin Schofield joins the BGC with an outstanding career in journalism. For more than 25 years, he has worked for a range of newspapers across the UK, including The Scotsman, The Herald, Daily Record and The Sun. Since 2015 he has been editor of PoliticsHome.

In nearly two decades covering politics, he has reported on six general elections as well as the Scottish independence and EU referendums.

Membership of the Betting and Gaming Council is open to all gambling operators with a UK licence. It comprises members from the online and retail sectors, representing over 90% of the betting and gaming sector (excluding lotteries). All members are required to adhere to a new Code of Conduct setting the highest standards for membership.

Michael Dugher, Chief Executive, Betting and Gaming Council commenting said:

“The BGC is a new standards body committed to delivering big changes across the industry. To do that, we need top people. Kevin Schofield is one of the very best media professionals of his generation, he commands massive respect across journalism and politics, and he is an outstanding hire for the BGC.

“Kevin is joining an already top class and growing team at the BGC. This shows that we are building something exciting at the BGC as we strive to become the very best in the business.”

Kevin Schofield, newly appointed Director of Communications and Digital said:

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Betting and Gaming Council and can’t wait to get started. I know that they have big ambitions for the years ahead and I’m looking forward to working with the team to help drive up standards in the industry.”

In addition, Wes Himes, former CEO of the RGA has been appointed Executive Director, Standards and Innovation responsible for safer gambling, policy, research and regulation and Gary Follis, former interim CEO of the ABB and Director of Communications at the BGC has been appointed Executive Director for Corporate Affairs responsible for communications, government relations and membership.

Up Next

Prague Gaming Summit 2020 Sponsor profile – SBTech (Lanyards Sponsor)

Don't Miss

Online Sportsbook and Casino BETZEST™ goes live with payment provider Pay4Fun

Latest News

SCCG Management Expands Strategic Partnership with Tom’s Watch Bar to Accelerate Growth Across Tribal and Casino Markets

Published

11 hours ago

March 30, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

sccg-management-expands-strategic-partnership-with-tom’s-watch-bar-to-accelerate-growth-across-tribal-and-casino-markets

SCCG Management, a leading advisory firm in the global gaming industry, is pleased to announce the expansion of its strategic partnership with Tom’s Watch Bar, a premier and rapidly growing chain of large-format sports entertainment venues. This extended partnership reflects the continued success of Tom’s Watch Bar’s concept and its increasing demand across casino, tribal, and destination entertainment markets.

Since the initial partnership announcement, Tom’s Watch Bar has continued to expand its national footprint. In 2025, the brand announced new openings in Seattle, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Phoenix, San Diego, and Inglewood, and now operates locations nationwide, including key markets such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, Orlando, Washington DC, and Pittsburgh. Tom’s Watch Bar has also outlined continued expansion plans targeting additional locations across the United States.

Through this expanded partnership, SCCG Management will continue to support Tom’s Watch Bar’s strategic growth within the gaming industry, with a focus on tribal casinos, integrated resorts, and regional gaming properties. SCCG will leverage its global network of operator relationships and deep expertise in gaming operations to facilitate new partnerships, site placements, and long-term commercial opportunities.

Tom’s Watch Bar has established itself as one of the leading sports viewing destinations in the country, known for its immersive, technology-driven environments. Featuring massive central stadium screens, hundreds of high-definition displays, and a fully synchronized “All the Sports, All the Time” programming model, the concept delivers a premium fan experience that aligns directly with the evolving expectations of casino guests and younger demographics.

As casinos continue to prioritize non-gaming revenue streams and experiential offerings, Tom’s Watch Bar provides a proven model for increasing dwell time, enhancing guest engagement, and driving incremental food, beverage, and entertainment revenue.

Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management, commented: “Tom’s Watch Bar has quickly established itself as a category leader in sports entertainment hospitality. The expansion of this partnership reflects both the strength of their concept and the growing demand we’re seeing from tribal and casino operators for high-quality, experience-driven amenities. We’re excited to continue supporting their growth and bringing this best-in-class offering to more gaming destinations globally.

The post SCCG Management Expands Strategic Partnership with Tom’s Watch Bar to Accelerate Growth Across Tribal and Casino Markets appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

ELA Games

2026 SiGMA Americas Awards Features ELA Games in Two Major Categories

Published

12 hours ago

March 30, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

2026-sigma-americas-awards-features-ela-games-in-two-major-categories

The slot developer is in the running for a studio category, as well as a Most Played Game nomination for Joker Winpot.

ELA Games has been nominated in two major categories at the upcoming SiGMA Americas Awards.

One of the most prominent events in the LatAm iGaming calendar, the SiGMA Americas Awards recognize and reward the expertise and innovation of the industry’s leading suppliers and operators. Earning these nominations points to ELA Games’ expanding presence and entertaining slot content for a global audience, including tailoring its games to build the strongest possible connection with players in Latin America.

ELA’s nominations span the following key categories:

Delegate Vote: Best Game Studio 2026

In the Delegate Vote section, ELA Games is up for Best Game Studio. This category recognizes studios making a notable impact on the local industry, rewarding all-round creative and technical excellence.

Public Vote: Most Played Game – Joker Winpot

Following multiple award nods at various industry events already this year, the studio’s popular title, Joker Winpot, continues its successful run with a nomination for Most Played Game. Moving away from standard classic themes, this release brings high-energy gameplay to the reels, capturing players with its strikingly animated Joker, and the intense decision-making draw of the signature Winpot feature.

Marharyta Yerina, Managing Director at ELA Games, commented on the nominations: “It’s always an honor to be recognized by SiGMA, and especially in a region we have put so much effort into perfecting the tone for. The Latin American market, and Brazil in particular, is growing fast and a big focus for us right now. To be up for Best Game Studio here means the games we create are landing well with the local industry. Seeing Joker Winpot nominated for Most Played Game by public vote is a great bonus, as it proves that the interactivity of Winpot is popular worldwide, just as we intended it to be”

The winners will be announced during the BiS SiGMA South America expo, hosted at the Transamerica Expo Center in São Paulo, Brazil, from April 6 to 9, 2026. The official awards night will kick off the event on April 6th. Voting closes on March 30th, and we urge all players and the iGaming public to visit the official SiGMA website and cast their vote for Joker Winpot and ELA Games today.

The post 2026 SiGMA Americas Awards Features ELA Games in Two Major Categories appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Central Europe

Gaming in Germany Conference returns to Berlin November 10, 2026

Published

13 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Wladimir P.

gaming-in-germany-conference-returns-to-berlin-november-10,-2026

The Gaming in Germany Conference is set to return to Berlin on November 10, 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from across the country’s regulated online gambling sector. The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Ku’damm and is expected to once again attract a wide range of industry professionals.

Organised by Gaming in Europe, the annual conference has established itself as a central meeting point for operators, regulators, legal experts, and service providers involved in Germany’s evolving iGaming landscape.

Key Topics on the Agenda

The 2026 edition will focus on some of the most pressing issues facing the German market. A major highlight will be discussions around the evaluation of the GlüStV 2021 (State Gambling Treaty) and its impact on the regulated online gambling environment.

In addition, the conference will cover a broad range of topics, including:

Regulatory developments and compliance
Market growth and competitive dynamics
Player protection and responsible gambling
Marketing strategies in a regulated environment
The role of eSports within the sector

These sessions are designed to provide actionable insights while fostering dialogue between industry participants and regulatory authorities.

Confirmed Speakers

Although the event is still several months away, a strong lineup of speakers has already been confirmed. These include:

Dr. Jörg Hofmann, Senior Partner at Melchers Law
A senior representative from the GGL (German Gambling Authority)
Dr. Dirk Quermann, President of DOCV
Mathias Dahms, President of DSWV
VP Games at ZEAL Network
Prof. Dr. Christian Piska, University of Vienna
Dr. Nepomuk Nothelfer, University of Agder & Melchers Law
Josh Hodgson, COO at H2 Gambling Capital

This mix of legal, regulatory, and commercial expertise ensures a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities within Germany’s regulated market.

A Key Industry Meeting Point

Willem van Oort, founder of Gaming in Germany, highlighted the importance of the event:

“After last year’s highly successful edition, we are extremely pleased to return to Berlin in 2026. Our goal is to connect the industry with regulatory and social stakeholders. This year, we expect to gain valuable insights into the evaluation of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty and its impact on the market.”

He also emphasized that the conference remains one of the best opportunities to meet key decision-makers in Germany’s iGaming sector.

Registration and Participation

Industry professionals are encouraged to save the date and secure their place early. The event also offers opportunities for speakers and sponsors to get involved and share their expertise with a targeted audience.

With its strong agenda and high-level networking opportunities, the Gaming in Germany Conference 2026 is set to be a must-attend event for anyone active in the German regulated iGaming market.

The post Gaming in Germany Conference returns to Berlin November 10, 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.