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XLMedia strengthens data-driven capabilities with the appointment of Nigel Leigh as Chief Information Officer

Published

5 years ago

on

June 29, 2021

By

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

XLMedia announced the appointment of Nigel Leigh as Chief Information officer.

Nigel will be responsible for defining XLMedia’s long-term technology roadmap, architecting the Group’s technology vision and driving value creation across the Company’s portfolio of publishing websites through data-driven innovation.

An accomplished digital leader, Nigel has a strong track record of building consumer-first, digital products using data and analytics to grow revenues and develop audiences for major publishing companies including Telegraph Media Group and JPIMedia.

Most recently, Nigel held the role of Chief Digital Officer and sat on the executive management team at JPIMedia where he spearheaded a fundamental reshaping of the media organisation’s digital assets, structures and commercial propositions – including rebuilding the entire technology stack as well as successfully delivering new revenue streams. Prior to his role at JPIMedia, Nigel worked for The Telegraph Media Group where he played a major role in its successful turnaround and digital transformation, leading its Ad Tech strategy.

Stuart Simms, Group CEO at XLMedia, said:

“I am very excited to welcome Nigel to XLMedia’s leadership team. Nigel’s hiring is part of our continued commitment to strengthen our use of data to help us make smarter business decisions, build faster and more efficient operations and to forge closer links with our consumers.

“Consumers expect to be treated as individuals and want to deal with companies which understand who they are and what they’re going through – and which appreciate their needs are changing every single day. Nigel’s wealth of experience will be a key asset to our Company as we look for new ways to be even more targeted, precise and personalised – optimising our customers’ budgets to target consumers with hyper relevant and contexualised information and offers.”

Commenting on his appointment, Nigel said:

“I’m thrilled to be joining the XLMedia Group. The publishing landscape continues to change at a rapid pace, presenting plenty of opportunities for agile, digital publishers to deliver smart solutions for audiences – and the brands which want to reach and engage these audiences. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to deliver great custom and targeted experiences powered by best-in-breed technology, and enhanced data and AI capabilities.”

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blask

When LATAM gambles: Blask reveals seasonality patterns across six countries

Published

58 minutes ago

on

February 12, 2026

By

Wladimir P.

when-latam-gambles:-blask-reveals-seasonality-patterns-across-six-countries

Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Colombia represent six distinct iGaming markets — each with its own regulatory framework, player base and cultural rhythms. Yet beneath these differences lie powerful shared drivers: domestic football seasons concluding in Q4, mandatory year-end bonuses injecting billions into local economies, and national holidays that stretch into multi-day celebrations.

Using Blask’s Seasonality feature, player activity across all six countries was analyzed to map engagement peaks by month, day and hour. While regional trends are visible, the execution varies sharply at the local level.

Here’s what the data reveals.

Brazil: The Q4 Convergence Effect

In Brazil, November and December form a clear peak driven by three converging factors.

The Brasileirão season concludes in early December, with title races and relegation battles intensifying betting activity. At the same time, the Copa Libertadores semifinals and final fall in October and November — and Brazilian clubs’ recent dominance has kept engagement high.

The economic boost comes from the décimo terceiro, Brazil’s mandatory 13th salary paid in two instalments by November 30 and December 20. In 2024 alone, it injected R$321 billion into the economy, increasing disposable income during football’s decisive phase.

Saturday edges out Sunday as the top-performing day, reflecting the league’s fixture concentration. Weekends dominate overall, with a pronounced spike between 1 AM and 5 AM on Friday-to-Saturday nights — a sign that late-night casino sessions complement live sports betting.

Argentina: Aguinaldo and League Finals

December leads the calendar in Argentina, driven by the Liga Profesional’s mid-December conclusion and the aguinaldo, the country’s mandatory 13th salary paid by June 30 and December 18.

Sunday ranks highest for engagement, closely followed by Saturday, aligning with concentrated weekend fixtures. The peak activity window — midnight to 3 AM on Saturday-to-Sunday nights — reflects pre-match anticipation and late-night casino play following the workweek.

The pattern closely mirrors Brazil’s Q4 surge, but with a stronger Sunday bias.

Mexico: Liguilla and Late-Night Culture

December again stands out, coinciding with the Liga MX Apertura playoffs (Liguilla) and the championship final in mid-December. The aguinaldo — at least 15 days’ salary, paid by December 20 — provides additional liquidity at the same time.

Sunday leads weekly activity, with Saturday close behind. However, Mexico’s most distinctive feature is its consistent 2–3 AM activity peak across all days, amplified on weekends.

This pattern suggests a strong late-night gambling culture, where casino verticals such as slots, crash games and live dealer experiences drive engagement alongside sports betting.

Chile: September Over December

Unlike its regional peers, Chile’s biggest month is September — not December.

The surge is powered by Fiestas Patrias (September 18–19), the country’s most significant national celebration. When calendar alignment allows, festivities can stretch into a full week, with fondas, music and social gatherings creating a nationwide party atmosphere that extends into online gambling.

Saturday is the dominant day, with activity elevated throughout. Peaks occur around midnight on Friday-to-Saturday nights and again during Saturday afternoon (3–5 PM), indicating a blend of late-night casino play and daytime sports betting.

Peru: The Purple Month Effect

October and November represent Peru’s peak period, with November slightly ahead.

The Clausura tournament reaches its decisive stretch in early November, while October is dominated by Señor de los Milagros — the country’s largest religious festival. Celebrations extend into All Saints’ Day (November 1) and Day of the Dead (November 2), creating a sustained festive period.

Unlike Brazil and Mexico, Peru’s engagement is concentrated during daytime weekend hours, particularly morning and afternoon. This suggests a stronger alignment with live Liga 1 fixtures rather than late-night casino sessions.

Colombia: Primetime Precision

In Colombia, November leads, with October close behind.

The Torneo Finalización enters its cuadrangulares (semifinal group stage) during this period, building toward a December final. Anticipation around the prima de servicios — a mandatory half-month salary bonus due by December 20 — also supports late-year liquidity.

Sunday is the clear weekly leader, with evening primetime activity standing out. Engagement closely mirrors Liga BetPlay broadcast schedules, indicating sports betting is the primary driver rather than late-night casino behaviour.

The Bigger Picture: Regional Liquidity, Local Execution

Across LATAM, the Q4 bonus cycle — décimo terceiro, aguinaldo, prima de servicios and similar payouts — represents a predictable liquidity event spanning six major markets within an eight-week window. Crucially, it coincides with domestic football seasons reaching their climax.

However, peak timing differs significantly:

Mexico’s engagement spikes at 2 AM, while Peru’s is daytime-focused.
September outperforms December in Chile.
Colombia revolves around Sunday primetime broadcasts.
Brazil peaks on Saturday nights.

The takeaway is clear: while seasonality patterns are regional, execution must be hyper-local. Campaigns, product pushes and marketing spend need to align not just with the right month — but the right day and even the right hour in each individual market.

The post When LATAM gambles: Blask reveals seasonality patterns across six countries appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.