Press Releases
UK’s Betting and Gaming Council announced that Kevin Schofield has been appointed as Director of Communications and Digital
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.
EvenBet Gaming
EvenBet Gaming expands poker offering with new side games designed to drive additional operator growth
EvenBet Gaming, a leading developer of online gaming software and solutions, has enhanced its poker platform with the launch of two in-house side games, designed to boost player engagement and open new revenue opportunities for operators.
The new titles, Baccarat and Hold’em Guess’em, provide entertaining options for players between hands, during breaks, or while waiting for the next round. Both games are fully compatible with desktop and mobile devices, allowing seamless transitions between poker and side gameplay without disrupting the session.
Baccarat: Classic Casino Action at the Poker Table
EvenBet Gaming brings the iconic Player vs Banker card game to the poker environment. Players can bet on predefined outcomes with fixed payouts, while all card draws are managed by a random number generator. Baccarat can be launched in a separate window and revisited at any time, making it an ideal low-attention side game for poker sessions.
For operators, Baccarat introduces a new revenue model with a fully customisable house edge, allowing the experience to be tailored to specific business strategies. The game is particularly appealing to Asian markets, where Baccarat enjoys enduring popularity.
Hold’em Guess’em: Predict the Winning Hand
In partnership with BetChill, EvenBet Gaming has developed Hold’em Guess’em, a single-player prediction game that combines familiar Texas Hold’em mechanics with a simple betting twist. Players predict the winning hand of a real-time Texas Hold’em deal.
The game automatically calculates odds based on win probability and the pre-set house edge. Bets, potential wins, and limits are updated in real-time, creating a fast, intuitive, and engaging gameplay experience. Hold’em Guess’em is designed to attract both traditional poker enthusiasts and casino audiences looking for quick, skill-light entertainment.
Strengthening the Side Game Portfolio
With the introduction of Baccarat and Hold’em Guess’em, EvenBet Gaming now offers three proprietary side games, joining Cowboy Hold’em, which launched in 2025. These new releases complement the company’s growing product ecosystem, which also includes Spins Poker and One Click Poker, all focused on increasing player engagement and diversifying monetisation opportunities for operators.
Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, commented:
“Side games are an effective way for operators to increase poker revenue while keeping players entertained between rounds.
Baccarat is a globally recognised casino favourite, with particular appeal in Asia, while Hold’em Guess’em introduces a unique, prediction-based mechanic to the market. Together, these titles expand the entertainment options on our platform and allow operators to reach new audiences beyond traditional poker players.”
These additions reinforce EvenBet Gaming’s strategy of combining innovative gameplay with proven casino mechanics, enhancing both player retention and operator revenue across multiple markets.
The post EvenBet Gaming expands poker offering with new side games designed to drive additional operator growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
CRYSTAL ROULETTE
PRAGMATIC PLAY INTRODUCES STRIKING TRANSPARENT WHEEL IN CRYSTAL ROULETTE
Pragmatic Play, a leading iGaming content provider, has introduced Crystal Roulette, a new live casino title that reimagines the classic table game with a visually distinctive transparent wheel set in a high-end studio environment.
At the centre of the experience is a sleek, see-through roulette wheel, offering a fresh visual twist on traditional gameplay. The custom-built studio enhances immersion through cinematic presentation and exclusive camera angles, giving players a unique perspective on every spin.
High-definition close-ups showcase the transparent wheel in detail, while the game retains the core elements of European roulette, including standard betting options and racetrack functionality, ensuring a familiar yet elevated experience.
To further support gameplay, advanced statistics tools provide insights into previous rounds, helping players make more informed betting decisions.
By combining modern aesthetics with a proven format, Crystal Roulette delivers an engaging addition for operators looking to diversify their live casino offerings and attract players with something visually unique.
The release follows other recent live casino titles from Pragmatic Play, including Free Bet Blackjack and The Bingo Spot, further strengthening the provider’s premium portfolio.
Sharon McHugh, Director of Public Relations at Pragmatic Play, said:
“Crystal Roulette introduces a bold new visual identity to a classic game. With its transparent wheel and custom-built studio, paired with traditional gameplay, it offers players a live casino experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly different.”
The post PRAGMATIC PLAY INTRODUCES STRIKING TRANSPARENT WHEEL IN CRYSTAL ROULETTE appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
APOSTAR S.A.
GoldenRace Partners with CPT to Launch Virtual Betting in Colombia
GoldenRace, the globally recognized leader in virtual sports, has announced a strategic partnership with Colombia Poker Tour, a member of the transnational network APOSTAR S.A..
This collaboration introduces GoldenRace’s cinematic-quality virtual sports to Colombian bettors, marking a major milestone in the country’s virtual betting landscape.
Martin Wachter, CEO and Founder of GoldenRace, stated, “Latin America, especially Colombia, has always been a priority. This alliance allows us to bring our leading technology to an audience that truly values the quality and thrill of virtual sports.”
Transforming Virtual Betting in Colombia
The partnership is seen as a turning point for the local iGaming industry. According to Ana Catalina Rojas, Director of Products and Services at BetPlay, virtual betting “connects different audiences and opens huge opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and market engagement.”
Colombian users will gain access to GoldenRace’s most popular virtual products, combining hyper-realistic simulations with fast-paced, engaging gameplay.
Key GoldenRace Offerings in Colombia
- Horse Racing: Players experience high-definition, cinematic races that replicate the excitement of real-world racetracks.
- Greyhound Racing: Fast-paced and dynamic, ideal for players seeking immediate results and continuous thrills.
- Virtual Football: The most played virtual sport worldwide, featuring real odds and an interface that mirrors top global leagues, giving Colombian bettors an authentic football betting experience.
Commitment to Regulated Markets
This partnership reinforces GoldenRace’s focus on expanding into highly regulated markets. By integrating its cutting-edge technology into CPT’s platform, the alliance ensures both quality and compliance, providing local operators with top-tier virtual betting products.
The collaboration also aligns with CPT and APOSTAR S.A.’s mission to offer the best gaming experiences to their community, while helping to drive growth and innovation in Colombia’s betting sector.
The Future of Virtual Sports in Colombia
With GoldenRace’s cinematic technology and CPT’s established network, Colombian bettors can now enjoy a next-level virtual betting experience. This alliance sets the stage for a more immersive and engaging iGaming environment, connecting racing and football fans across the country.
The post GoldenRace Partners with CPT to Launch Virtual Betting in Colombia appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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