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.”
AI-driven gaming analytics
Chris Barranco Joins Quick Custom Intelligence as Director of Business Development
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a leading provider of AI-driven analytics and enterprise solutions for the gaming and hospitality industry, today announced the addition of Chris Barranco as Director of Business Development.
Barranco brings 25 years of experience leading high-performing teams, driving revenue, and building durable client relationships. He is adept at solution-selling methodology and full sales-cycle management, with a proven track record of mentoring top-tier account executives, delivering high-impact presentations, and retaining key accounts. Known for a tenacious approach to new-business development and customer loyalty, Barranco will focus on expanding QCI’s market footprint, strengthening the partner ecosystem, and advancing go-to-market execution across QCI’s product portfolio.
“I’m excited to join the clear market leader and work with the exceptional team at QCI,” said Chris Barranco, Director of Business Development at QCI. “QCI’s commitment to turning data into action aligns perfectly with my approach to helping customers achieve measurable revenue impact. I look forward to working closely with our clients and partners to accelerate growth and deliver exceptional outcomes.”
“We’re delighted to welcome an industry veteran of Chris’s caliber to the QCI team,” said Andrew Cardno, CTO and Co-Founder of QCI. “His leadership, mastery of solution selling, and passion for customer success will further strengthen our ability to scale, deepen client relationships, and deliver the operational results our customers expect.”
As Director of Business Development, Barranco will lead initiatives to expand QCI’s presence across key markets, refine sales enablement programs, and collaborate with product and customer success teams to ensure a seamless path from discovery to measurable value realization.
The post Chris Barranco Joins Quick Custom Intelligence as Director of Business Development appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Press Releases
Soft2Bet’s MEGA Shortlisted for Product Innovation of the Year at Global Gaming Awards Americas 2025
Soft2Bet has been shortlisted in the Product Innovation of the Year category at the Global Gaming Awards Americas 2025, highlighting the innovative impact of its proprietary gamification engine, MEGA (Motivational Engineering Gaming Application). The solution’s first full-scale North American deployment with ToonieBet in Ontario has redefined the gaming experience by enhancing player engagement and retention.
ToonieBet uses the full range of MEGA’s innovative gamification features and data-driven iGaming solutions for player retention, including achievements, collectibles, long-term missions, and segmented rewards, to create personalized and localized experiences for every player.
Since launching, the brand has seen increased session frequency, stronger loyalty and sustained growth in lifetime value. These results have been further strengthened by ToonieBet’s partnerships with the Ottawa Senators and the Canadian Football League, where MEGA features prominently on rink-side LED boards and during broadcasts. This visibility highlights Soft2Bet’s highly focused approach, built around standout customer experience, performance and clean, adaptable design.
Already proven across Europe with brands , MEGA has consistently driven player retention and engagement. In Ontario, ToonieBet is seeing similar results by leveraging MEGA’s flexible tools, customizable UX/UI design and segmented features to deliver a deeply localized and highly personalized experience that attracts high-value players and supports sustainable profitability without disrupting daily operations.
“We are proud to be shortlisted for Product Innovation of the Year, as MEGA continues to enable us to deliver engaging, locally tailored player experiences, clearly demonstrated by ToonieBet’s success in Ontario. This nomination indicates that our approach is delivering big high performance results,” highlighted Martin Collins, Chief Business Development Officer at Soft2Bet.
In January 2025, during the Global Gaming Awards EMEA, MEGA won Product Launch of the Year and Soft2Bet was named Platform Provider of the Year, confirming B2B excellence in the industry.
About Soft2Bet
Soft2Bet is a leading provider of iGaming turnkey solutions, delivering high-quality products and services to online gambling operators. Soft2Bet is known for its Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA), proven to enhance retention and engagement. Soft2Bet has deployed numerous successful iGaming brands and holds more than 19 global licenses.
About Soft2Bet’s MEGA
Soft2Bet’s MEGA (Motivational Engineering Gaming Application) is a standalone, complete solution for integrating casino and sportsbook operator brands with gamification. MEGA provides a range of gamification engines and allows operators to customise gamification engines by setting rewards, bonus triggers, user segmentation, level of difficulty, and more.
The post Soft2Bet’s MEGA Shortlisted for Product Innovation of the Year at Global Gaming Awards Americas 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The record-breaking poker festival in the Bahamas adds fresh events and exclusive perks for players booking early
The World Series of Poker (WSOP®) today unveiled the complete schedule for the highly anticipated WSOP Paradise 2025, which will take place at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas from Dec. 4 through Dec. 18. This announcement also introduces two new, limited-availability early-bird packages, designed to provide players with unmatched value and exclusive benefits.
This year’s festival expands on its commitment to high-stakes action with a full slate of 15 WSOP gold bracelet events:
|
Event |
Date |
Buy-In |
|
#1 Circuit Championship Mystery Bounty NLH – $5M GTD |
Dec. 4 |
$2.5K |
|
#2 Triton PLO 6-Handed |
Dec. 4 |
$75K |
|
#3 Triton PLO Main Event |
Dec. 5 |
$100K |
|
#4 High Roller Turbo NLH |
Dec. 6 |
$50K |
|
#5 Triton Invitational – NLH |
Dec. 7 |
$250K |
|
#6 Super COLOSSUS NLH |
Dec. 7 |
$5K |
|
#7 Super PLOSSUS PLO |
Dec. 8 |
$10K |
|
#8 Triton NLH 7-Handed |
Dec. 8 |
$125K |
|
#9 Triton NLH Main Event |
Dec. 9 |
$100K |
|
#10 Triton NLH 8-Handed |
Dec. 10 |
$150K |
|
#11 Super Main Event NLH – $60M GTD |
Dec. 10 |
$25K |
|
#12 8-Game Mix 6-Handed |
Dec. 11 |
$10K |
|
#13 High Roller PLO |
Dec. 13 |
$50K |
|
#14 GGMillion$ NLH – $10M GTD |
Dec. 15 |
$25K |
|
#15 The Closer NLH Turbo Bounty |
Dec. 16 |
$10K |
This year’s WSOP Paradise features an expanded partnership with Triton Poker, the leading high-stakes tournament operator. In 2024, two gold bracelet events were curated by Triton; the number increases to six in 2025, with WSOP bracelets going to the winners of Event #2 Triton PLO, Event #3 Triton PLO Main Event, Event #5 Triton NLH Invitational, Event #8 Triton NLH 7-Handed, Event #9 Triton NLH Main Event and Event #10 Triton NLH 8-Handed.
To reward early registrants, WSOP is introducing two new early-bird packages for players looking to secure their seats, with both offering massive added value:
-
The $100K Paradise Package – limited to just 500 packages, includes a 13-night stay (Dec. 5 to Dec. 18), complimentary access to the WSOP buffet and a $500 food & beverage room credit. The deposit to secure is $10,000.
-
The $300K VIP Package – includes a 15 night stay (Dec. 3 to Dec. 18), complimentary access to the WSOP buffet, a $1,000 food & beverage room credit plus one á la carte meal from the Triton menu per day. The deposit to secure is $15,000.
For the first time at WSOP Paradise, resort fees are included in the package price, and the room credit is also provided for use throughout the resort. The full package amount must be played in WSOP Paradise events.
GGPoker will once again serve as the exclusive international satellite partner, aiming to send more than 1,000 players to the Super Main Event. WSOP Express and Road to Paradise qualifier tournaments are already underway in the GGPoker tournament lobby. Additionally, over 500 players are expected to qualify for the Circuit Championship through WSOP Circuit gold ring events (running from Jul. 1 through Dec. 2, 2025, both live and online), and ClubGG plans to send more than 400 players to the same event.
In an exciting new partnership, PokerStake will cover up to 50% of the unsold action for Circuit Package winners who choose to list their Super Main Event action on the platform.
“I said last year that a $50M guarantee was crazy, but adding another $10,000,000 on top is absolutely insane! The WSOP is bringing the biggest high rollers and the best poker experience possible back to paradise,” said Daniel Negreanu, GGPoker Global Ambassador. “With the new Super Mystery Bounty event and the expanded partnership with Triton, this is a can’t-miss festival for players of all levels. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
“With the WSOP Paradise at Atlantis Paradise Island tournament schedule now set, the countdown to The Bahamas IS ON! This year’s lineup delivers an unbeatable mix of world-class events, record-breaking guarantees, and unforgettable poker moments in one of the most iconic destinations on the planet. From seasoned pros to newcomers, players from around the globe will find their place in paradise, and their shot at history,” added Joe Brunini, Chief Gaming & Customer Development Officer, Atlantis Paradise Island.
WSOP Paradise 2025 will feature a daily live stream from Dec. 12 through Dec. 18 on the WSOP YouTube channel, with CBS Sports Network television coverage planned for distribution in early 2026.
Further details on event structures and schedules will be available on the WSOP+ app. The WSOP reserves the right to cancel, change, or modify the tournament or any tournament event, in part or in whole, without notice. Entry fees will be added to all events, and up to 3% of tournament buy-ins will be withheld for staff and operational costs. Guaranteed events are paid out after deducting the percentage for costs from the total prize pool.
Please follow @WSOP on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram or check WSOP.com for more event news and updates: wsop.com/news/2025-wsop-paradise.
For more information on WSOP Express, please visit: ggpoker.com/tournaments/wsop-express/.
To book your Atlantis stay at exclusive WSOP rates starting from $199 per night, please visit: atlantisbahamas.com/wsop-in-paradise
The post WSOP® PARADISE 2025 REVEALS FULL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE WITH NEW EARLY-BIRD PACKAGES appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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