Press Releases
GVC Holdings and EPIC Risk Management Form Unique New Partnership
Two organizations to deliver sports and education programs in 14 locations throughout the US
EPIC Risk Management, the world’s leading independent gambling harm minimization consultancy, and GVC Holdings, one of the world’s largest sports-betting and gaming groups, have formed a partnership which aims to minimize gambling related harm throughout the U.S.
The partnership, funded by GVC Foundation US, GVC’s unique non-profit subsidiary which is dedicated to promoting responsible gambling, will replicate EPIC’s successful European sports and education model. Programs will run in 14 locations across the U.S. in 2020 and 2021, covering New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, North Carolina, Colorado, DC, and the New England region.
It is estimated that 7 million U.S. adults suffer from gambling problems.
“As the leading provider of advisory and education in problem gambling, EPIC Risk Management has done extraordinary work in Europe,” said Martin Lycka, trustee for GVC Foundation US and director of regulatory affairs at GVC Holdings. “Our partnership with EPIC in locations throughout the U.S. will continue that impactful mission.”
The educational sessions will be provided to up-and-coming and professional athletes and focus on lived experiences with problem gambling and the promotion of betting integrity. The program is fully funded by GVC Foundation US, who will provide $2.5 million in financing over the course of two years.
“For most people, gambling is entertainment – but for a small percentage of people it becomes uncontrolled, leading to devastating effects to both individuals and organizations,” said Paul Buck, CEO of EPIC Risk Management. “EPIC is excited to partner with GVC Foundation US to work in the hardest-to-reach sectors to prevent gambling-related harm.”
“There’s no better way to address problem gambling than by combining hard-hitting, lived experience with industry research and expertise,” said William J. Pascrell, III, trustee at GVC Foundation US and partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group. “By addressing athletes and other at-risk groups throughout the country, we’ll aim to implement the cultural change needed for the protection of at-risk gamblers and growth of the industry as a whole.”
“Athletes, especially African American athletes, are at a higher risk of becoming problem gamblers than the average person,” said Amani Toomer, trustee at GVC Foundation US and former New York Giants wide receiver and Super Bowl XLII winner. “I view EPIC’s program as crucial for maintaining integrity in sports.”
2026 summit
HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils 50% of Its Dynamic 2026 Agenda
The HIPTHER Prague Summit is shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive events of the year, with an agenda that reflects the fast-evolving landscape of iGaming, fintech, compliance, AI, media, and beyond. With four distinct stages and content spanning two days, the summit promises high-impact insights, cutting-edge knowledge sharing, and actionable strategies for stakeholders across the digital industries.
While only half the agenda has been released so far, what’s already on the table reveals an ambitious and future-forward program. Attendees can expect the remaining schedule—focused on the Expert Panel Stage and HIPTHER Academy—to further raise the bar with industry-leading panels and advanced learning formats.
Stage 1: Compliance & Regulation
This track offers a robust dive into both regional and global regulatory trends, aimed at compliance professionals, legal experts, and decision-makers navigating complex frameworks.
Day 1 will focus on market updates, regulators’ panels, and regional compliance outlooks. Highlights include a Czech Market update, a panel featuring European regulators, and regional overviews from Germany and the Balkans.
Day 2 expands into the global picture, covering enforcement trends, jurisdiction updates from Southern Europe, the USA, and LatAm, and a deep-dive GLI session on certification and trust. The day wraps with an IMGL-led masterclass exploring the intersection of AI, automation, and accountability.
Stage 2: Expert Panels Stage
This track is a powerhouse of innovation-focused dialogue.
Day 1 will feature panels on iGaming, fintech, AI, media, SEO, esports, and business growth. Industry disruptors and thought leaders will gather to unpack the trends driving momentum across verticals.
Day 2 will turn the spotlight to deep-dive panels with operators, suppliers, and advisors sharing battle-tested strategies, future bets, and lessons from scaling globally.
Stage 3: Main Focus Stage
This stage is split into two powerful themes across both days.
Day 1 is the Keynote Arena, with standout talks on branding, visibility, growth, and deal-making. Sessions like “LinkedIn as a Dealflow Engine” and “Branding in the Attention Economy” offer tactical insights for companies looking to sharpen their competitive edge.
Stage 4: HIPTHER Academy
Designed for hands-on learning and skill development, this stage blends education with real-world application.
Day 1 offers masterclasses, workshops, and practical learning sessions, setting the tone for deep engagement.
Day 2 will feature advanced education formats, including certification-oriented sessions, ideal for professionals looking to level up with verified credentials.
Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your Spot Now
With limited availability and high interest across the industry, now is the perfect time to register. Be among the first to access cutting-edge insights, connect with top-tier professionals, and help shape the future of digital industries.
Register today for HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 and be part of the conversation that drives the next wave of innovation.
The post HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils 50% of Its Dynamic 2026 Agenda appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Latest News
ACR POKER GIVES PLAYERS A SHOT TO QUALIFY ONLINE FOR $700,000 GTD ENJOY POKER SERIES MAIN EVENT THIS FEBRUARY IN URUGUAY
16 guaranteed all-inclusive packages, worth $88,000 in value, to be won in two satellites on Sunday, February 1st and February 8th
Players looking to turn a small buy-in into a luxury poker adventure in paradise will get their chance this February, as ACR Poker is heading back to the stunning shores of Punta Del Este, Uruguay for the Enjoy Poker Series.
Ahead of the huge $700,000 GTD Main Event, players can compete for 16 all-inclusive prize packages, worth $5,500 each, across two Punta del Este Satellites. They run on Sunday, February 1st (eight packages) and Sunday, February 8th (eight packages) at 5:05pm ET online at ACR Poker.
With a total of $88,000 worth of guaranteed value up for grabs, players can buy-in for as little as $95, or qualify for free by ranking on the Beast weekly leaderboard.
- Each $5,500 package includes:
- One $1,650 buy-in to the $700,000 GTD Enjoy Poker Series Main Event
- 10-night hotel stay at the Enjoy Punta del Este Resort & Casino from February 20th to March 2nd
Travel expenses
- A host of epic poker and off-felt experiences
“Competing in and winning the 2024 Enjoy Poker Series Main Event in Uruguay was an unforgettable experience, and the live energy and atmosphere playing at the tables made it even more special,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “With these online satellites, everyone gets that same opportunity. This is your chance to turn a small buy-in into an incredible live poker adventure, play against the best, and make memories that last a lifetime.”
Running from February 20th – 28th, the Enjoy Poker Series offers players the very best of live poker, set against the backdrop of Uruguay’s breathtaking Atlantic Coast. Beyond the poker tables, players can enjoy beachfront luxury, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife at the Punta del Este Resort & Casino.
In addition to the Punta del Este Satellites, players can also jump into ACR Poker’s Dual Mystery Bounty Venom tournaments. It features $10 million in guarantees and the last Day 1 is this Sunday, February 1st, with seats available via Venom Fever Satellites, Venom Vault and Poison Path.
For more information on the Punta del Este Satellites, read the ACR Poker Blog or visit ACRPoker.eu.
The post ACR POKER GIVES PLAYERS A SHOT TO QUALIFY ONLINE FOR $700,000 GTD ENJOY POKER SERIES MAIN EVENT THIS FEBRUARY IN URUGUAY appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
BetMGM
Octoplay Goes Live in Michigan
Octoplay is now live in Michigan across BetMGM, FanDuel, Fanatics, and Rush Street Interactive, marking the company’s second U.S. state and largest coordinated market entry to date. The simultaneous go-live with four tier-one operators arrives less than six months after Octoplay’s United States debut in New Jersey.
Since its founding in October 2022, Octoplay has secured active licenses across thirteen regulated jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, New Jersey, Ontario, Michigan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Malta, Italy, Greece, Romania, and Slovakia. Michigan extends that momentum into the U.S. As one of the top three states by iGaming revenue, it represents a significant market, and Octoplay enters it with four tier-one operators live from day one.
“Just months after our New Jersey debut, Michigan represents the next phase of our U.S. expansion,” says Ralitsa Georgieva, Director of Business Development at Octoplay. “Launching simultaneously with four leading operators shows the confidence the market has in our content. We expect to carry this momentum into additional states throughout 2025.”
Earlier this year, Octoplay ranked first among U.S. rising suppliers by overall index in H1 according to Eilers & Krejcik, underscoring the company’s accelerating trajectory. With Michigan now live and additional state applications in progress, Octoplay is positioned to extend its North American footprint throughout 2025 and beyond.
The post Octoplay Goes Live in Michigan appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
-
BetPlay6 days agoBlask Awards 2025: Betano, Caliente, BetPlay, Betsson and others define Latin America’s iGaming landscape
-
Canada6 days agoComeOn Launches New Marketing Campaign in Ontario
-
DEGEN Studios6 days agoDEGEN Studios brings Wild West chaos to the reels with Sunset Showdown
-
iGaming6 days agoMajestic Claws Hold & Hit leaps into Spinomenal’s slots portfolio
-
Latest News6 days agoThrillTech partners with Nordplay Group to launch ThrillPots across Nordic-facing casino brands
-
bingo halls5 days agoBingo Halls and Casinos in Colombia Increased Their Contributions to Healthcare System by 9.3% in 2025
-
Brightstar Lottery PLC5 days agoBrightstar Lottery Delivers Industry-Leading Sales Force Automation Solution to Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation
-
Compliance Updates4 days agoFinland Govt Looks at Whether Scratchcards can be Gifted Again



