Press Releases

HIPTHER FESTIVAL XXI (8-12 November), meet the sponsors

Published

4 years ago

October 29, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Join the world’s leading companies in Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Fintech, Climate, Virtual Reality, Marketing, Education Technology, FashionTech, Gaming, eSports, and more…

There is only one week left until the #hipthers host the second edition of the HIPTHER FESTIVAL, a virtual-only event that was born in 2020 and attracts a plethora of industries from all across the world.

HIPTHER FESTIVAL XXI will span over 5 days between 8-12 November, and the sessions can be joined via ZOOM, YouTube, or in NEOS Metaverse in collaboration with ViARsys.

The event will be joined by +6000 online participants, and over 200 expert speakers will share the virtual stages.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Here is a short breakdown of the conferences you can attend during the full week of knowledge sharing:

TECH Conference Series: America – 8 November
TECH Conference Series: Europe – 9 November
PICANTE MARKETING Summit – 10 November
European Gaming Q4 Meetup – 11 November
Gaming Americas Q4 Meetup – 12 November

Register here for free! View the agenda

Calendar .ICS file | Add to Google Calendar

The HIPTHER FESTIVAL focuses on some of the most talked-about industries and is powered by the agency’s media outlets.

The full-week event also enjoys the support of several companies and the #hipthers would like to share some information about all of them. Please meet the sponsors of HIPTHER FESTIVAL XXI!

Plaid – Registration Sponsor

Plaid is a world-leading open banking platform. The company uses its global network and local expertise, so your customers can see their financial data and make payments from your app.

Plaid is focused on democratizing financial services through technology. They build beautiful consumer experiences, developer-friendly infrastructure, and intelligent tools that give everyone the ability to create amazing products that solve big problems.

Visit www.plaid.com for more details

Presenting the General Sponsors

Altenar

Altenar is a provider of sportsbook services to licensed gaming operators. Ranging from “software-only” product offers to the provision of a fully managed sports betting platform stack, Altenar offers proven stability coupled with flexible and personalized service.

Their software is developed and operated in-house, whilst being powered by premium quality data feeds.

Visit www.alternar.com for more details

nanocosmos

nanocosmos started in 1998 in Berlin as a software engineering company and technology partner for leading market players in the video and broadcast industry, and is now offering license products to professional customers worldwide. The nanoStream product range was first introduced in 2009 complementing the codec products with a high level encoding and streaming API, for desktop and browser applications. nanoStream Cloud is the core product and solution since its introduction 2016, a full service end-to-end live streaming platform with a global scale, based on ultra low latency live streaming to enage audiences worldwide. Long-term partnerships with close customer relation, support and consulting services are a decisive part of our offering.

Visit www.nanocosmos.de for more details

Play’n GO (panel sponsor)

Play’n GO are a leading supplier for slot gaming in the casino industry. One of the first suppliers to recognise and utilise the potential of mobile slot gaming, their innovation has revolutionised the industry and led Play’n GO to the forefront of the casino supplier market. Since its inception Play’n GO have curated a portfolio of award-winning games developed and tailored for compatibility with all devices and operating systems. In addition to this, they also provide back-end services and solutions to ensure operators are equipped to provide the ultimate gaming experience; this includes their casino platform and their server-based gaming solution, OMNY.

Visit www.playngo.com for more details

Nordic Gambling

Nordic Gambling is the only legal firm in the Nordic countries that specializes in gambling-related law such as licensing, compliance advice, and public affairs.

They have gained extensive experience in the industry from working with operators, suppliers, service providers, and government regulators. Their team has been closely involved in the development of the law and regulation in a number of European jurisdictions, including Denmark and Sweden.

The partners of Nordic Gambling are recognized among the leading legal experts in the gambling industry and are qualified to assist you with whichever legal issue you may encounter.

The team at Nordic Gambling is also very pleased to announce that they have contributed a section on Sweden, first published in the latest version of the International Comparative Legal Guide to Gambling 2020.

Visit www.nordicgambling.com for more details.

PLANZER LAW

PLANZER LAW is a boutique law firm specializing in gaming, entertainment, and online businesses. Its team notably provides strategic, regulatory, and legal advice on all matters relating to EU/EEA and Swiss gaming regulation as well as business development into new markets. Clients profit from an unrivaled global network and highly specialized expertise.

Visit www.planzer-law.ch for more details

Hipther Agency has been among the first conference organizers that have shifted to just virtual events back in March 2020 and the team keeps growing its portfolio of conferences and content distribution network.

Hipther Agency is the parent brand of European Gaming, PICANTE, WireUp Zone, and Gaming Americas and the team is excited to invite interested parties to review their android news app on the Play Store.

To receive constant updates from Hipther Agency and conference agenda updates, subscribe here: http://eepurl.com/hfyZxf

For sponsorship/speaking inquiries, make sure to reach out to Andrada Marginean (B2B Sales Executive at Hipther Agency) at [email protected]

For media-related inquiries, please contact Alexandru Marginean (Marketing Specialist at Hipther Agency) at [email protected]

Compliance Updates

California Gambling Control Commission Reviews Licensing and Ownership Transfers at September 18 Meeting

Published

2 days ago

September 12, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

california-gambling-control-commission-reviews-licensing-and-ownership-transfers-at-september-18-meeting

The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened for its scheduled public meeting to deliberate on a wide range of licensing and regulatory matters related to cardrooms, third-party providers, tribal gaming, and key individuals in the gambling industry. The Commission addressed ownership transfers, license renewals, regulatory compliance, and findings of suitability for tribal gaming employees and suppliers.

Highlights from the Meeting

Cardroom Licensing and Ownership Transfers

Commerce Casino (California Commerce Club, Inc.)

Initial License Approval: The Commission recommended approving an initial cardroom owner license for James Murray, Director of the Commerce Casino, through March 31, 2027.
Ownership Transfer: The Commission approved a share transfer from Marsha Gold to the Marsha L. Gold Revocable Trust, subject to the transaction closing within 180 days and written confirmation of compliance with imposed conditions.
Successor Trustee Licensing: The license for Jill Anter Wieder, Successor Trustee of the trust, was also approved through March 31, 2027, pending the completion of the ownership transaction.
Additional Conditions: The Commission imposed a detailed list of conditions on the license, including certification requirements, written transaction confirmations, and mandatory legends on stock certificates to ensure regulatory compliance.

Napa Valley Casino (BVK Gaming, Inc.)

Ownership Transfer: Similar to Commerce, the transfer of shares from Von Altizer to the Von Altizer 2017 Revocable Trust was conditionally approved.
Successor Trustee Licensing: Applications from Christopher and Bobby Huang, successor trustees and contingent beneficiaries, were approved through May 31, 2026, contingent upon the transaction’s completion.
Interim License Conditions: The Commission imposed a set of conditions mirroring those required for Commerce Casino, ensuring the integrity of ownership transitions.

Renewal and Interim Licenses

Seven Mile Casino (Stones South Bay Corp.)

A new interim renewal license was approved through September 30, 2027, with prior licensing conditions officially removed.

Commerce Casino Directors

Rick Contrucci: The Commission opted to abandon the renewal application.
Lysa Grigorian: The application was referred to an evidentiary hearing, and an interim license was issued through March 31, 2027.

Other Cardrooms

Limelight Card Room: License renewed through March 31, 2027.
Lucky Chances Casino: A 90-day extension was granted through December 31, 2025, with strict restrictions on property access and communications for Rene Medina, tied to a 36-month probationary period.
North Coast Casino and The River Card Room: Both granted 60-day extensions with multiple compliance conditions required prior to opening or continuing operations.

Third-Party Proposition Player Services

Renewals and Initial Licenses Approved

Owner-Type Licenses for Global Player Services and Players Edge Services were renewed through 2027.
Employee-Type Licenses: Dozens of third-party proposition player service employees were approved or renewed, including workers from Knighted Ventures, Blackstone Gaming, and Acme Player Services.
Conditions on some licensees, such as Glenn Kaboua, included proof of fine resolution every 90 days.

Tribal-State Compact Licensing

Gaming Resource Suppliers

Everi Games Inc. and LNW Gaming, Inc. received approval for initial and renewal suitability findings, with licenses valid through early 2026.

Key Tribal Employee Licensing

A significant number of tribal casino employees across the state received initial or renewed findings of suitability. These included employees from:
- Chumash Casino Resort
- Thunder Valley Casino Resort
- Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
- Graton Resort & Casino
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento, among many others.
The Commission emphasized continuous monitoring of suitability, especially for applicants under conditional approval like Tatianna Wren, who must provide quarterly updates on efforts to resolve outstanding fines.

Key Individual Decisions

Huy Dang: The Commission approved the renewal of Dang’s Key Employee License through September 30, 2027, removing prior conditions related to court-mandated classes and debt resolution.

Consent Calendar Items

Items 15 through 21 included approvals for initial and renewal licenses for various employees, work permits, and tribal key employees. All items were approved per staff recommendations.

Conclusion

The September 18, 2025, meeting of the California Gambling Control Commission underscored the Commission’s ongoing role in maintaining transparency, accountability, and integrity in the state’s gambling industry. With careful review of ownership changes, key personnel, and operational compliance, the CGCC continues its commitment to fair and responsible gambling practices in California.

For full details and future updates, visit the California Gambling Control Commission website

The post California Gambling Control Commission Reviews Licensing and Ownership Transfers at September 18 Meeting appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Latest News

Groove Technologies and BetOnGames Forge Strategic Partnership

Published

2 days ago

September 12, 2025

George Miller

groove-technologies-and-betongames-forge-strategic-partnership

Reading Time: 2 minutes

In a landmark move, platform and aggregator Groove Technologies has announced a strategic partnership with BetOnGames, the RNG game provider arm of BETCORE. This collaboration brings together Groove’s enterprise-grade platform, boasting over 15,000 games from 150+ top-tier providers, and BetOnGames’ lightweight, high-performing content, optimised for real-world conditions.

The alliance promises to deliver unparalleled scalability, engagement, and profitability for operators worldwide.

Groove’s cutting-edge platform is renowned for its precision, scalability, and advanced player engagement tools, making it a powerhouse for operators who demand excellence. By integrating BetOnGames’ portfolio featuring 100+ fast-loading, low-data titles across slots, crash, and instant-win formats, Groove further solidifies its position as the go-to solution for diverse markets, including regions with limited internet coverage.

Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove, emphasised the strategic value of the partnership: “BetOnGames’ adaptability and high-converting content perfectly complement Groove’s mission to deliver unmatched performance for operators. Their lightweight design, multilingual UI, and seamless payment integrations, including UPI, QR-wallets, and crypto, make them an ideal partner for both emerging and mature markets. Together, we’re setting a new standard for player engagement and operational efficiency.”

BetOnGames has built a reputation for reliability, offering RNG-certified titles with competitive RTPs (96–97%) and 24/7 technical support. Popular titles like Aerobet (crash-style, 97% RTP), 100 Mega Hot (classic slot, 97.12% RTP), and Bicho da Sorte 25 (lottery-style, 92.26% RTP) cater to a broad spectrum of player preferences, ensuring high retention and conversion rates.

Peter Korpusenko, CEO of BETCORE, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “Partnering with Groove allows us to expand our reach exponentially while maintaining the speed, fairness, and lightweight efficiency that define BetOnGames. Groove’s robust backend and analytics tools empower operators to maximise our content’s potential, driving growth in even the most competitive markets.”

With full licensing under the Curaçao Gaming Control Board, integrated responsible gaming tools, and AML compliance, BetOnGames provides a secure and scalable foundation for operators. Combined with Groove’s industry-leading platform, the partnership ensures seamless onboarding via Groove’s single-API, optimised cash flow, and data-driven decision-making.

As iGaming continues to evolve, Groove and BetOnGames are poised to lead the charge, delivering a dynamic, player-centric experience that transcends borders and technical barriers. For operators seeking a competitive edge, this collaboration represents the future of iGaming today.

Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and COO at Groove, underscored the long-term vision: “This partnership isn’t just about adding games, it’s about enhancing ecosystems. BetOnGames’ performance in low-bandwidth environments and localised payment options align perfectly with our commitment to inclusivity and innovation. Together, we’re not just meeting operator needs; we’re anticipating them.”

The post Groove Technologies and BetOnGames Forge Strategic Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

GR8 Tech’s Bet It Drives Wraps Season 1 with Stephen Crystal—From Las Vegas Legends to Global Gaming Leadership

Published

2 days ago

September 12, 2025

George Miller

gr8-tech’s-bet-it-drives-wraps-season-1-with-stephen-crystal—from-las-vegas-legends-to-global-gaming-leadership

Reading Time: 2 minutes

GR8 Tech’s drive-time podcast Bet It Drives closes out its debut season in the fast lane with Stephen Crystal, Founder of SCCG Management and a 30+ year veteran of the gaming world. From reshaping tribal and riverboat gaming to owning iconic Las Vegas casinos and driving more than $3 billion in finance, M&A, and technology projects, Stephen has spent his career at the center of the industry’s biggest moves.

In the passenger seat with host Yevhen Krazhan, GR8 Tech’s CSO, Stephen takes listeners from the glitter of Vegas to the global stage—where he has advised 120+ client-partners across 100 countries, built US operations for the UK’s largest bookmaker, and cut high-profile sports betting deals with teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and Vegas Golden Knights.

On this ride, Stephen opens up about:

Whether industry events really bring the business
Why he believes in connecting people to people above everything else
How he’d reshape iGaming conferences (hint: more case studies, less fluff)
The single-sentence keynote he’d deliver if given the mic
The people and principles that shaped his journey
The art of closing deals and the mindset behind his business approach
Which song he cues up when it’s deal-done time
His take on when it’s “network” and when it’s definitely “not work”

“Stephen brought the kind of wisdom you only get from decades at the very top of gaming and a career spent building, betting, and believing in people,” said Krazhan. “It was a very inspirational, motivational talk—and Stephen officially earned a Bet It Drives seatbelt of honor.”

As always, Bet It Drives trades the studio for the streets of London, filming each episode entirely on the move with a multi-camera crew capturing both the ride and the real talk. The result is a podcast that has blended insider insights with unscripted, human moments all season long—from Alex Pratt and Helen Walton to Rohini Sardana, and now Stephen Crystal in the finale.

Watch Episode 4 with Stephen Crystal now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

That’s a wrap for Season 1. But don’t unbuckle just yet—Bet It Drives will be back soon. Follow GR8 Tech and stay tuned: Season 2 is already on the horizon, promising more bold voices, more candid conversations, and more reasons to hit play.

The post GR8 Tech’s Bet It Drives Wraps Season 1 with Stephen Crystal—From Las Vegas Legends to Global Gaming Leadership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.