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Twitter UK’s Dara Nasr to support digital evolution of lotteries by joining Allwyn Advisory Board

Published

5 years ago

April 26, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Allwyn is pleased to announce Dara Nasr, Managing Director of Twitter UK, as the latest appointment to its high profile advisory board providing support to Sir Keith Mills and team. Allwyn is bidding for the Fourth National Lottery Licence to operate the UK National Lottery.

During a distinguished career working for some of the largest global technology companies, including Twitter and Google, Mr. Nasr has established himself as a leader in the world of digital communications. As Managing Director of Twitter UK, Dara has built one of the strongest sales teams in the UK media landscape. During the Coronavirus pandemic, he has placed Twitter UK at the centre of the future of work debate through the launch of its “New Business As Usual” framework, while also leading the UK’s internal work rules to protect the mental health of staff who have been working remotely.

By working closely with quality technology partners, SAZKA Group, Allwyn’s parent company, has invested in digital platforms to grow and scale at pace across Europe. By recognising trends towards online play early, SAKZA Group’s lotteries adapted their product offerings long before the pandemic disrupted the retail sector. Online sales of draw based games increased by 134% between 2015 and 2019, with sales continuing to grow during the pandemic and maintaining momentum as restrictions eased. This includes Austria, where a 42% rise in online draw based sales coincided with a 9% increase in funding for good causes between 2015 and 2019, while Sazka Czech’s ‘Digital Entertainment Hub’ boosted lottery sales via mobile phone by 820% during the same period.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Nasr said: “How companies communicate with customers is evolving thanks to the disruptive rise of social media platforms. Brand communications, advertising, and marketing has become more exciting due to the complementary and unique ability of digital to engage with the consumer. As I’ve seen during my time at Twitter, mobile means there is huge potential to establish a close 24/7 relationship between company and customer. I’ve teamed up with Allwyn and their parent company SAZKA Group because they understand the importance of digital to lotteries. I can’t wait to get started.”

Allwyn’s U.K. Bid Chair Sir Keith Mills added: “For many years, Allwyn’s parent company SAZKA Group have pursued a digital- approach to lotteries across Europe. Not only has this produced impressive online sales growth, making their lotteries resilient to the challenges of the pandemic, but it has also translated to consistently strong sales growth in the retail sector too. Regardless of whether a player purchases their lottery ticket online or in-store, we’ve seen overall player participation only increases if people feel more connected to their lottery. Allwyn’s sister companies are a testament to the powers of digital in the lottery world and I can’t wait to work with Dara and apply his knowledge of the digital and social media landscape.”

Alea

Alea Leads Brazil iGaming Talks in São Paulo

Published

20 minutes ago

April 1, 2026

Wladimir P.

alea-leads-brazil-igaming-talks-in-sao-paulo

Alea is set to take a leading role in São Paulo as the Headline Partner for NEXT.io Focus Brazil, returning for a second straight year to one of the most important gatherings in the country’s regulated iGaming calendar.

The invite-only event takes place on Monday, 6 April at Palacio Tangará and brings together around 100 senior industry decision-makers to examine how Brazil’s market is evolving beyond its launch phase.

The agenda will center on the market’s new reality, including changing player behavior, regulatory maturity, and the long-term sustainability of Brazil’s iGaming sector. Alea CEO Jordi Sendra will open the afternoon by joining the panel “Brazil 2026: The New Reality of Regulated Gambling,” where leaders from TQJ Bet, Esportes, and Stake Brazil will discuss how operators can stay competitive in a more structured environment.

Alea says its renewed partnership reflects the company’s growing commitment to Brazil and its deeper local presence. Over the past year, the company has invested in building a stronger on-the-ground structure to support partners across the market, with Sendra describing Brazil as a fast-changing but increasingly organized industry where open dialogue remains valuable.

The São Paulo appearance also connects directly to Alea’s wider South American push. After NEXT.io Focus Brazil, the team is shortlisted for Best Aggregator at the SiGMA South America Awards, before continuing discussions at SiGMA South America from 7–10 April at Booth N145, where the company will showcase its localized portfolio and technical support for operators navigating Brazil’s evolving market.

The post Alea Leads Brazil iGaming Talks in São Paulo appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

BIG Cyber

BMM Showcases Gaming Tech at BiS SiGMA

Published

20 minutes ago

April 1, 2026

Wladimir P.

BMM Innovation Group is set to reinforce its leadership in compliance testing, cybersecurity, and professional training at the BiS SiGMA Americas, taking place from April 6–9 in São Paulo. Exhibiting at Stand F147, the company is doubling down on its long-term commitment to Brazil’s rapidly evolving regulated gaming ecosystem.

As one of the most dynamic gaming markets globally, Brazil presents both opportunity and complexity. BMM Innovation Group, through its specialized brands, is positioning itself as a critical enabler for operators, suppliers, and regulators navigating this fast-changing environment.

A Three-Pillar Approach to Gaming Compliance

Operating through its globally recognized divisions—BMM Testlabs, BIG Cyber, and RG24seven Virtual Training—the group delivers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to regulated gaming markets.

Testing & Certification: BMM Testlabs ensures that gaming products meet stringent regulatory standards, enabling smoother market entry.
Cybersecurity Solutions: BIG Cyber strengthens digital resilience, a growing necessity as gaming platforms become increasingly interconnected.
Compliance Training: RG24seven Virtual Training provides certification programs designed to equip employees with the knowledge required to meet regulatory obligations.

Strategic Focus on Brazil’s Gaming Boom

With more than 40 years of industry experience, BMM Testlabs continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Brazil’s regulatory framework. Its investment in local infrastructure, including a dedicated test lab in São Paulo, signals a strong, long-term commitment to the region.

According to Marzia Turrini, Global President of iGaming & Cybersecurity, Brazil stands out as one of the most promising regulated markets worldwide. She emphasized that ensuring integrity, compliance, and cybersecurity readiness is essential for sustainable growth in the sector.

This localized approach allows BMM to help stakeholders confidently launch products while adhering to evolving regulatory requirements—an increasingly important factor as Brazil formalizes its gaming laws.

Driving the Future of Regulated Gaming in Latin America

Attendees at BiS SiGMA Americas will have the opportunity to engage directly with BMM’s experts and explore how the company’s integrated solutions support the future of regulated gaming not only in Brazil but across Latin America.

From certification to cybersecurity and workforce training, BMM Innovation Group is positioning itself at the intersection of trust, technology, and regulation—three pillars that will define the next phase of growth in the global gaming industry.

Industry professionals interested in learning more or scheduling meetings with BMM representatives are encouraged to connect during the event to explore tailored solutions for their operational and compliance needs.

The post BMM Showcases Gaming Tech at BiS SiGMA appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

CATALIST SPORTS SECURES NEW SUPPLIER LICENSES IN ARKANSAS AND NEBRASKA

Published

20 minutes ago

April 1, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

catalist-sports-secures-new-supplier-licenses-in-arkansas-and-nebraska

New approvals in U.S. states and applications in Canadian provinces drive Catalist Sports’ latest expansion across regulated North American markets

Catalist Sports, a leading licensed supplier of sports betting content to the regulated U.S. marketplace, has continued to expand its regulated market footprint with new supplier licenses secured in Arkansas and Nebraska, alongside recently submitted Canadian applications in Ontario and Alberta.

Arkansas’ regulated sports betting market is set for significant growth, with major operators including DraftKings and FanDuel entering the state in March 2026. In addition to Arkansas, Catalist Sports has successfully obtained a supplier license in Nebraska.

Following the approval of its supplier license in Missouri, the latest state to regulate online gambling, in December, Catalist Sports is now licensed in 30 U.S. jurisdictions, with two Canadian provinces expected to follow.

These license updates reinforce Catalist Sports’ commitment to serving both U.S. and Canadian regulated betting markets with compliant, high-quality content and services.

“Securing licenses in new jurisdictions and strengthening our regulatory standing is fundamental to serving as a trusted, key supplier to our operator partners,” said James Monk, Vice President & General Manager of Catalist Sports.

“Arkansas represents an exciting next step for us, particularly as major brands prepare to enter the market. At the same time, our licenses in Nebraska, along with applications in Ontario and Alberta, and ongoing license upgrades, position Catalist to continue delivering scalable, compliant, and differentiated services to our partners.”

Catalist Sports’ expanding North American footprint supports the company’s broader strategy to provide licensed operators with premium data, live streaming, and advanced trading capabilities, helping partners maximize in-play engagement, product innovation, and long-term growth in regulated markets.

Catalist Sports distributes official data and live streaming rights from a vast portfolio of events to licensed U.S. sportsbooks. This includes top-tier tennis properties such as the Australian Open, ITF World Tour, Davis Cup, and Billie Jean King Cup, as well as events across soccer, basketball, and ice hockey, which power year-round engagement for sportsbooks seeking continuous, high-frequency, high-quality live betting content.

The post CATALIST SPORTS SECURES NEW SUPPLIER LICENSES IN ARKANSAS AND NEBRASKA appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.