Latest News
Simon Hammon named new Chief Executive Officer of Relax Gaming

Relax Gaming, the igaming aggregator and supplier of unique content are delighted to announce that Simon Hammon has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Relax Gaming.
The former Chief Product Officer will replace Tommi Maijala, who had held the position since November 2019. Tommi will remain with Relax Gaming until the end of 2022, supporting Simon in his transition.
Simon moves into the role of CEO with great experience under his belt, having served 10 years within executive management teams with close to five of these as Chief Product Officer for Relax Gaming.
With a 12-year history, Relax has built a solid reputation for market-leading products and solutions driven by its Poker, Bingo, Casino and Aggregation business. The company has gone from strength to strength with a deep distribution and partner network, presenting a compelling offering to the market.
In recent years, Relax Studios have showcased market-leading and award-winning game offerings, including the hugely popular Temple Tumble and Money Train franchises. More recently, the company has showcased its innovative Dream Drop Jackpot series to great acclaim.
Commenting on Simon Hammon’s appointment to CEO, Patrik Österåker, Chairman of the Board, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to announce Simon Hammon as Relax Gaming’s newest Chief Executive Officer. Relax is continuing steadfast on its journey to claim an ever-larger footprint in the gambling industry, and we believe Simon with his experience, knowledge and vision is the perfect person to lead the team in the coming years.
Simultaneously, we’d like to take the opportunity to extend our gratitude to our outgoing CEO Tommi Maijala, who has been instrumental in guiding the company through arguably the most pivotal years of our history. Simon will be able to continue building boldly, supported by the confidence that a rock-solid foundation provides.”
Simon Hammon, CEO of Relax Gaming, added: “I’m truly honoured to take on the position of Chief Executive Officer at Relax Gaming. As a company, we’ve continued to grow from strength to strength over the last few years and we represent a world class offering across all verticals.
“Of course, a company is only as strong as the people who embody its mission, and I’m blessed to have a team who are so passionate about what they do and want to see Relax taken to the next level.
“Relax has grown in terms of people but also in terms of market power and brand. This is something I’m keen to continue and help drive. Relax has a bright future filled with global expansion, exciting new product offerings and a positive working culture. I look forward to continuing on this journey with you.”
Under Simon’s leadership, Relax Gaming will continue to build on its ongoing success as one of the industry’s leading B2B suppliers.
The last twelve months have seen the studio make its long-awaited entry into North America, having been named one of the first suppliers to enter the newly regulated Ontario market. Relax also entered Italy and Spain with Pokerstars and Entain respectively.
As a result, Relax has enjoyed a spate of accolades since the start of 2021, picking up more than ten prestigious industry awards. More recently Relax was named Best Mobile Gaming Software Provider at the 2022 EGR B2B Awards and Best Game Provider at the AskGamblers Awards. The company has consistently enjoyed a myriad of other industry award nominations throughout this year.
Powered by WPeMatico
Latest News
Check Before You Bet – Play Responsibly Ahead of March Madness

On Sunday, March 16, 2025, the 2025 March Madness tournament begins with Selection Sunday at 6 p.m. ET on CBS. March Madness is the coined name for the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, a single-elimination tournament of 68 teams that compete in seven rounds for the national championship. The penultimate (second to last) round is known as the Final Four, where only 4 teams remain.
Check out the full schedule below:
- Selection Sunday: 6 p.m. ET Sunday, March 16 on CBS
- First Four: March 18-19
- First round: March 20-21
- Second round: March 22-23
- Sweet 16: March 27-28
- Elite Eight: March 29-30
- Final Four: April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
- NCAA championship game: April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
With March Madness being one of the most anticipated, watched, and wagered-on events in all of sports, the Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) is reminding Arizona residents and visitors to remember to play smart and bet responsibly, remaining within the bounds of the law.
“Every year, March Madness continues to rank among the top sporting events to wager on nationally, as excitement and anxiety builds as fans watch to see if their team will make it to the Final Four,” said Jackie Johnson, ADG Director. “The Department wants to use this opportunity as a chance to remind and encourage Arizona residents, as well as our springtime visitors, to make sure they are enjoying the games responsibly. Protect your bet and ensure your wagers are placed legally and thoughtfully this March.”
Sports Pools – Know What Rules to Follow
In the United States, it is common to see friends, families, and colleagues participate in sports pools for March Madness. These pools are legal as long as the state’s social gambling rules are followed. According to Arizona Law (A.R.S. § 13-3301(9)), social gambling requires:
- That gambling cannot be conducted as business, which means that hosts cannot receive financial benefit, unless they are participating in the game;
- Hosts pay out all pool money to the winner(s);
- Only participants can win; and
- Players compete on equal terms with each other.
A few things to be on the lookout for that indicate illegal gambling:
- Paying a fee to participate, including “suggested” or “voluntary” donations.
- A host who keeps a percentage of the pool for administering the game.
- A required minimum purchase to participate (food or beverage, etc.).
- Unequal odds.
- Underage participants (under 21 years of age).
ADG takes complaints about illegal gambling seriously. To report suspected illegal gambling activity, visit our website at gaming.az.gov/about/contact-us, call (602) 255-3886, or email [email protected]. You can remain anonymous.
Responsible Betting – What to Keep in Mind
With sports betting legal in the state, it has become increasingly important to educate yourself on how you can bet responsibly. Listed below are some helpful tips as part of the American Gaming Association’s (AGA)
Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly. campaign:
- Set a Budget – It is crucial to keep in mind that everyone will have different budgets; never bet beyond your own means. Be cautious and make sure you set a limit – and stick to it – if you plan on wagering. More information on how to responsibly set a budget for wagering can be found on the AGA’s Have A Game Plan website: How Much Should I Wager?
- Know the Odds – There are plenty of key terms everyone should know when making a sports bet. What’s a parlay? Over/under? Moneyline? If you decide to wager, make sure you are briefed on The Basics of Sports Betting.
- Keep it Social – Whenever gambling, be mindful that all forms of gambling are for the purpose of entertainment. This is not a way to make money. By gaming with friends, family, and colleagues, you can keep playing responsibly and have fun.
- Keep Your Cool – No one’s perfect, and in sports, winning and losing are all part of the game. Whether you’re wagering from the sidelines or watching from home, remember to keep your cool. Good sportsmanship isn’t just for the players on the field; it’s for everyone.
- Play Legally – Legal operators provide important player protections that are not found in the illegal market. Whether you are placing a wager on your phone or at a physical sportsbook, make sure you are using a legal operator in the state. Visit the ADG website to view a full list of the state’s approved operators and retail locations: Approved Operators.
You can view more information on how to bet responsibly by visiting haveagameplan.org. In recognition of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (“PGAM”), the Department wants to remind Arizonans that if you or someone you know has a gambling problem, the Division of Problem Gambling (“DPG”) urges you to get help now by calling 1-800-NEXT STEP (1.800.639.8783), DPG’s confidential helpline, texting “NEXTSTEP” to 53342, or utilizing a chat feature on the DPG website. DPG’s helpline provides confidentiality and connects callers with a master’s level counselor who can connect them with available resources, including statewide treatment providers who specialize in problem gambling.
The helpline is available 24/7 to everyone facing a problem with gambling – individuals and affected family members, friends, or co-workers. Learn more and access resources at problemgambling.az.gov. Additionally, the ADG published a press release on March 3 recognizing PGAM.
Please view the press release by visiting our website’s Media Room, as well as DPG’s PGAM toolkit for more information.
The post Check Before You Bet – Play Responsibly Ahead of March Madness appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Latest News
ACR POKER HOSTS DUAL VENOM TOURNAMENTS THIS APRIL WITH $12 MILLION IN TOTAL GUARANTEES

Building on the success of its Mystery Bounty Venom events in February, which awarded more than $10 million in prize pools and attracted players from over 70 countries, ACR Poker is gearing up for another action-packed doubleheader this spring, featuring Dual Venom tournaments with $12 million in total guarantees.
NLH and PLO players can take their shot in two massive Venom events: the $10 million guaranteed NLH and the $2 million guaranteed PLO, both starting on Sunday, April 13th at 1:05pm ET.
“Playing in prestigious events like the Venom is one of the best ways to sharpen your skills and feel the thrill of big poker,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “With both the NLH and PLO Venoms running side by side, $12 million in guarantees on the line and lots of affordable ways to qualify, this is your chance to get in on the action. See you at the tables.”
The $10 million guaranteed NLH Venom spans four days, starting with the first of five Day 1 flights on Sunday, April 13th. Advancing players will battle through Day 2 on Monday, April 28th and Day 3 on Tuesday, April 29th, leading to a thrilling Final Table on Wednesday, April 30th at 4:05pm ET.
Last April, four-time WSOP bracelet winner Dominik ‘Texxassss’ Nitsche from Germany outlasted a massive field of 5,045 entries, walking away with over $1.8 million. Who will claim the NLH Venom title this year?
Omaha fans can also mark their calendars for the 3-day PLO Venom, featuring a $2 million guarantee and five Day 1 options. It kicks off with Day 1A on Sunday, April 13th, followed by Day 2 on Monday, April 28th, and the final table on Tuesday, April 29th.
Players can stay updated and easily add both Venom events to their calendar via ACR Poker’s online tournament schedule.
The direct buy-in of each Venom is $2,650, but players have the chance to qualify for as little as $0 through ACR Poker’s Venom Fever Satellites, which guarantee over 1,000 Venom seats across The Beast, Venom Madness, Direct and Mega satellites.
In addition to the flagship Venom tournaments, players can dive into ACR Poker’s revamped tournament schedule, compete in the Online Super Series with $25 million in guarantees, and take their shot at the $500,000 guaranteed Venom Warmup in April with just a $66 buy-in.
For more information on the Dual Venom tournaments, visit ACRPoker.eu.
The post ACR POKER HOSTS DUAL VENOM TOURNAMENTS THIS APRIL WITH $12 MILLION IN TOTAL GUARANTEES appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Conferences in Europe
2025 Gaming in Holland Conference announces headline speakers

The 2025 Gaming in Holland Conference, which will take place June 5, 2025, at the KIT Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam, is proud to announce its first confirmed speakers.
The Gaming in Holland Conference is THE place to meet the key decision makers in the Netherlands’ regulated gambling market.
First speakers announced
We are very happy to welcome the following key decision makers to our speaker line-up:
- Arjan Blok, CEO, Nederlandse Loterij
- Renske Fikkers, Head of Market Supervision, Netherlands Gambling Authority
- Justin Franssen, Partner, Franssen Tolboom Advocaten
- Dr. Andreas Ditsche, CEO, iGaming.com
- Josh Hodgson, COO, H2 Gambling Capital
About the 2025 GiH Conference: A Change is Gonna Come?
Recently, Teun Struycken, State Secretary for Legal Protection, announced a far-reaching revision of the Dutch Remote Gambling Act.
This month, the Dutch Lower House will hold roundtable discussions on the current state of the regulated gambling market. These roundtable discussions will be followed by an in-depth debate with the state secretary on March 27.
Naturally, this means that there will be plenty to discuss at this year’s Gaming in Holland Conference. Don’t miss it if you want to keep abreast of the latest developments.
As always, all-day networking, our traditional canal boat tour, and networking drinks at Holland Casino are included in the event.
Last but not least, the “Dutch Online Casino of the Year” award ceremony will be part of the post-conference networking drinks. Don’t miss the festivities!
Registration now open
Early bird registration is now open: https://bit.ly/GiHC2025. Don’t miss it!
The post 2025 Gaming in Holland Conference announces headline speakers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Andres Troelsen Belatra Games’ Commercial Director for Latin America7 days ago
Belatra ready to present latest iGaming innovations at SAGSE
-
Asia7 days ago
MiFinity Expands Payment Options in Asia, Strengthening Regional Commitment
-
Diego Mourglia6 days ago
Salsa Technology ready to engage with industry leaders at SAGSE Latam
-
Balkans6 days ago
New Installation of Diamond King 3
-
Latest News5 days ago
SYNOT Group Appoints Andres Morano as Vice President of Sales for the Latin American Region
-
Brazil6 days ago
SOFTSWISS Releases 2025 Edition of iGaming in Brazil Market Research
-
Africa6 days ago
Triumph at SiGMA Africa 2025: Best Platform & Best Marketing Campaign
-
Fabián Luis Grous6 days ago
NOVOMATIC Unveils Exclusive Experience During SAGSE 2025