Latest News
Alexander Martin (CEO SKS365) at ICE 365: “The Post-Covid Future in the Retail Betting Sector Is Omnichannel”

“Retail will remain a key part of the gambling ecosystem in Europe. In such a hard time for the betting shops, SKS365 has concentrated its energy to set up the best way to relaunch the shops, which will reopen with new and improved services “
The outlook for the retail betting shops in Europe, which have been affected by the Covid-19 lockdown and by local limitations in terms of the number of shops and distances from sensitives area, was the main topic of discussion during the virtual panel “The Future of Retail”. This online conference is part of the ICE 365 content series, a free-to-access deep-dive into sector-specific insight, analysis and exclusive content delivered by Clarion Gaming in partnership with recognised industry experts and thought leaders.
Alexander Martin, CEO at SKS365, sees the future still bright for the betting shops, despite the current challenges. He is confident in that retail will remain a key part of the gambling ecosystem, if the operators will adapt and evolve to their new circumstances. “The key to staying ahead of the game is linking the offering between the offline and the online channel and vice versa. Offering an omni-channel experience allows customers to have both options and therefore to choose which channel best suits them at that particular time. In addition, it raises security and trust by creating a cohesive, seamless, personalized gaming experience that makes interactions consistent, easy, and fun. For this reason, during the first lockdown we invested in new retail functionalities and products such as the self-service betting terminals to make our shops more interactive and digital. During the current lockdown we have taken a similar approach, so when our shops will be allowed to reopen, our customers will find again more innovative services, offerings in newly designed shops”.
Speaking about changes of the gaming scenario, that has registered an increasing popularity of online gambling, given the impossibility to play in the brick and mortal venues, Martin said: “Certainly, the lockdown has been an accelerator for the online transition. However, our recent survey, clearly showed that traditional shop customers will return to the shops. Many answered that they will use in the future our omni-channel offering, nevertheless some are very happy with the pure shop offering. Our land-based customers are very loyal and they like our shops, the atmosphere and enjoy the exchange with like-minded people. It is a hub for them to connect with each other as well as our entertaining services. Sports betting is very much sharing thoughts and ideas about teams and plays”.
Having said that, high-street bookies will certainly have to find new ways to attract customers back and according to Martin it is crucial to invest in the venues both from a design and from a technological point of view: “Our goal at Planetwin365 is to offer the most entertaining retail experience. We are ready to compete with all other places people can go to such as bars, restaurants, bowling alleys or cinemas. Our betting shops are places where people do not go only to place a bet, but also for the joy of being there. Nowadays, customers expect to find the same offer and features on each channel, and it is vital to keep investing in the retail channel, as we are doing, to bridge the gap with the online and enhance the customers experience in the shops”.
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Africa
Dr. Gloria Herndon Prepares Launch of Charitable Casino Platform in Kenya, with A License Secured

Dr. Gloria Herndon—international economist, philanthropist, and long-standing advocate for underserved communities—is preparing to launch a charitable casino platform in Kenya, where a license has already been secured. The platform will be operated by Top Deck Entertainment, where Dr. Herndon serves as Chairman of the Board, and developed in partnership with Humanitarian Gaming International (HGI)/Electronic Gaming Solutions, Inc. (EGS)
This initiative marks the beginning of a new model for regulated casino gaming in Africa—one built to generate real, measurable community impact. A dedicated portion of net gaming profits will go directly to charitable local organizations, supporting causes such as youth development, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
“This isn’t just a business venture—it’s a reinvestment mechanism,” said Dr. Herndon. “We’re building something that generates revenue and returns it to the communities that need it most.”
A Regulated Model Designed for Impact
While the charitable platform has not yet launched, all required licensing has been secured in Kenya. Once active, the platform will offer traditional casino gaming in a tightly regulated environment, designed with responsible gaming safeguards and operational transparency at its core.
A percentage of net profits will be directed to vetted local nonprofits. Humanitarian Gaming International (HGI)/ EGS will provide the content for the charitable platform, governance support, operational guidance, and oversight to ensure accountability and measurable results.
Profits Will Support These Key Areas:
- Youth Empowerment – Mentorship, after-school programs, and creative opportunities
- Scholarships & Education Grants – Tuition assistance and educational advancement
- Entrepreneurship Support – Seed funding and mentorship for local startups
- Women’s Economic Development – Business training and career support for women
- Community Health Access – Mobile clinics and basic health services
- Emergency Relief – Rapid-deployment funds for disasters and urgent needs
- Job Creation – Employment tied directly to casino operations and outreach
- Support for Orphans – Housing, education, and care for children without guardians
- Aid for Survivors of Sexual Violence – Trauma-informed care and legal advocacy
- Support for Elder Caregivers – Dignity-focused financial and wellness assistance
About Dr. Gloria Herndon
Dr. Gloria Herndon is a pioneering international economist and philanthropist with a six-decade career advancing equity, infrastructure, and economic development across Africa and beyond. She has led high-impact initiatives in finance, public health, and education, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Top Deck Entertainment. Her latest venture reflects her lifelong commitment to building systems that serve people first.
The post Dr. Gloria Herndon Prepares Launch of Charitable Casino Platform in Kenya, with A License Secured appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Spinomenal adds to Wildlife Series with Majestic Panda launch

Leading iGaming content provider Spinomenal has expanded its Wildlife Series with the launch of Majestic Panda.
Spinomenal’s latest release is a beautifully crafted 5×3 slot presenting a peaceful bamboo forest with koi ponds, temple rooftops, and misty mountain peaks. A calming, Asian-infused soundtrack ensures a tranquil environment to balance the thrill of the spin. Gold coins, ornate fans, red lanterns, bonsai trees, and vibrant peonies bring the game to life.
Finding three powerful Pagoda Free Spins symbols will activate the Free Spins game. Before setting off, players must spin the Wheel of Fortune to set the free spins total, between 10 and 40, and the symbol that doubles for the round.
The bonus feature is triggered when three beautiful bonsai trees appear. Players are granted three spins to begin, and the goal is to fill the metre by collecting Scattered winning symbols. Every five symbols found completes one cell in the metre. Players who find a +1 symbol will be awarded with an extra spin and once the spins end there will be the final payout calculated by the final filled metre cell.
Majestic Panda also features Stacked Wilds where once the reels are spinning, Wild symbols have the power to appear on the reels to boost the potential of a win. During the base game, Only Double Symbols can be activated, making all symbols show in their double form.
Spinomenal CO-CEO, Omer Henya commented: “Our mission with Majestic Panda was to produce a game that combines the peace and the potential of big wins. The serene setting, calming soundtrack, and multiple features make this a huge success.”
The post Spinomenal adds to Wildlife Series with Majestic Panda launch appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet Launches Legendary Reward Drops

Hard Rock Bet announced the launch of Legendary Reward Drops, a new online rewards program that will engage players with monthly Levels and guaranteed weekly rewards and promotions. In addition, Hard Rock Bet has fully integrated into Unity by Hard Rock, where play on Hard Rock Bet will simultaneously earn players Unity Points, Unity Tier Credits, and Level Credits to ‘level up’ towards more valuable weekly Legendary Reward Drops. As a combined rewards and loyalty experience, Legendary Reward Drops and Unity by Hard Rock will create unparalleled value, benefits, and omnichannel opportunities for Hard Rock Bet players.
The new Legendary Reward Drops will provide players with valuable weekly rewards like bonus bets, parlay insurance, and Unity Point multipliers – all suspensefully presented through an immersive experience of a custom guitar case unveiling the contents of each Drop. The program features eight monthly levels that will provide players with Drops of increasing value based on their play. Players will be able to track their progress towards ‘leveling up’ within the rewards experience.
Hard Rock Bet has also streamlined its loyalty program through Unity by Hard Rock, providing players with a true omnichannel experience and the ability to earn and redeem incredible rewards at participating Hotels, Cafes, Casinos, Rock Shops, and more. Additionally, rewards in the online Rewards Store have been upgraded to recently include merchandise, local concert tickets, and hotel stays at resort properties in Hollywood, Punta Cana, and the Maldives.
“We’re proud to offer our players the best of both worlds: A rewards program with guaranteed weekly Drops and an unparalleled global loyalty program with Unity by Hard Rock. With our combination of a top-rated product and omnichannel benefits that can score players concert tickets, enhance their play, and send them on vacations around the world, we’ve created a connected entertainment experience and further solidified Hard Rock Bet as the best place to play,” said Mike Primeaux, Hard Rock Bet’s Executive Managing Director – Chief Operating Officer.
The post Hard Rock Bet Launches Legendary Reward Drops appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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