Latest News

2mee appoints Dragon’s Den contestant as Head of HoloAd

Published

3 years ago

November 9, 2022

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Brian Smillie JR successfully tamed the Dragons and is now breathing fire into powerful online influencer ad platform

He’s taken on the Dragons and come out on top, and now he’s taking on the role of Head of HoloAd^TM at influencer brand platform, 2mee. Brian Smillie Jr is the latest member of the team and has been tasked with driving awareness of HoloAd among operators and affiliates.

Smillie JR is the founder of Beezer, a platform that allows anyone to create, distribute, manage and market their own app without requiring any technical skills. He took Beezer to BBC’s Dragons Den in what has become known as the toughest negotiation in the Den.

He tamed the Dragons, leaving the Den with a £125,000 investment from Peter Jones after an action-packed standoff. You can watch the pitch here.

In his new role as Head of HoloAd at 2mee, Smillie will be responsible for negotiating similarly successful deals with a range of affiliates and operator brands so that they can unlock the power of influencer marketing through HoloAd.

HoloAd puts the power of next-generation influencer brand marketing in the hands of affiliates and their operator partners. It allows publishers to create new advertising real estate, unlock additional revenue streams and take audience engagement to the next level.

For operators, it allows them to deliver brand ambassadors as hologram messages via their affiliate and publisher partners, creating unique channels to deliver brand narrative and acquisition messaging to wider audiences.

A HoloAd can be inserted anywhere on a website page or within an app. Messages can be launched from existing empty space or can sit on top of page content, both editorial and advertorial. This means it delivers 100% added value.

The early numbers being generated by HoloAd are unrivalled. The average engagement rate is surpassing 33% and for those who are already onboard, the conversions are massively exceeding expectations.

This unprecedented level of engagement is already leading to a large number of enquiries from affiliate publishers and operators.

James Riley, CEO of 2mee, said: “Brian is one of the most naturally talented negotiators out there having provided his skills in front of some of the biggest names in the business world. Brian joining 2mee as Head of HoloAd is therefore a major milestone for us.

“HoloAd is a game-changer, and with Brian onboard we will be able to make more affiliates and operators aware of what it can do for them. I’d like to welcome Brian to the team and look forward to working with him as we take HoloAd to the next level.”

Brian Smillie, Head of HoloAd at 2mee, added: “I am hugely passionate about technology and in HoloAd we have the future of influencer marketing in our hands. I look forward to connecting with affiliates and gambling operators to show them what a truly stand-out platform and product it is.”

Casino Guru

Casino Guru Awards 2026 introduce four new categories celebrating leadership, responsibility, and culture in iGaming

Published

1 hour ago

November 20, 2025

George Miller

casino-guru-awards-2026-introduce-four-new-categories-celebrating-leadership,-responsibility,-and-culture-in-igaming

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Casino Guru proudly unveils four new award categories for the upcoming Casino Guru Awards 2026, further expanding its mission to recognize individuals and organizations shaping a fairer, safer, and more forward-thinking iGaming industry.

Following three years of continued growth and rising influence, the Casino Guru Awards remain the only industry awards focused primarily on fairness, transparency, integrity, and responsible innovation. The 2026 ceremony, scheduled for May 25, 2026, at The Xara Lodge in Malta, in partnership with NEXT.io during NEXT Valletta, will spotlight outstanding achievements from across the global iGaming landscape.

This year’s newly introduced categories reflect Casino Guru’s commitment to acknowledging emerging talent, ethical leadership, and positive workplace culture.

New Award Categories for 2026

Woman Leader of the Year

This category celebrates an exceptional female leader whose vision, resilience, and strategic influence have helped transform her company and the industry as a whole.

Judges will look for measurable achievements in 2024–2025, including business growth, crisis management, innovation in user experience, safety, transparency, and responsible gambling.
The award is open to women driving meaningful impact while championing diversity, mentorship, and collaborative progress within iGaming.

Rising Star in Responsible Gambling

Designed to recognize organizations making remarkable early strides in safer gambling initiatives, this category highlights innovation and genuine commitment from companies of all sizes.
Whether through impactful tools, awareness campaigns, or fresh approaches to player protection, nominees must demonstrate provable results that contribute to higher standards of responsibility and safety across the industry.

Young Changemaker Award

Honoring an individual under 30, the Young Changemaker Award shines a spotlight on rising professionals whose ethical innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking actions have made a visible impact in 2025.

Judges will consider originality, leadership ability, and tangible contributions that set a new benchmark for integrity and progress in iGaming.

Industry Culture Shaper

Recognizing that true industry progress starts within organizations, this award honors companies that cultivate positive, transparent, and supportive workplace cultures.

Nominees will be assessed based on measurable outcomes such as employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity, alongside initiatives that support wellbeing, mental health, professional development, and ethical HR practices.

Additional weight will be given to organizations whose efforts inspire better standards beyond their walls through partnerships, advocacy, or shared knowledge.

A broader vision for industry progress

“The addition of these categories marks an important evolution for the Casino Guru Awards,” said Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Project Director at Casino Guru and leader of the Awards project.
“By spotlighting leadership, emerging talent, responsible innovation, and culture, we are amplifying the people and values that will define the future of iGaming. These awards aim to inspire positive change at every level, from individual contributors to global operators.”

The new categories will stand alongside Casino Guru’s established awards, including The Fairest Bonus Policy, The Most Transparent Casino, The Best Implementation of Responsible Gambling Tools, and others that reflect Casino Guru’s core values.

The post Casino Guru Awards 2026 introduce four new categories celebrating leadership, responsibility, and culture in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Stadium of Riches kicks off a legendary contest of champions

Published

1 hour ago

November 20, 2025

George Miller

stadium-of-riches-kicks-off-a-legendary-contest-of-champions

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The stadium lights are blazing, the chants are deafening, and a golden trophy gleams in the distance. Play’n GO’s Stadium of Riches captures the raw energy of the world’s favourite sport, placing players at the heart of the action in this high-stakes football showdown.

Stadium of Riches doesn’t just replicate the spirit of football – it elevates it. Surrounded by roaring fans and legendary symbolism, this 5-reel slot draws inspiration from the grandeur of cup finals and last-minute heroics. With immersive design and a theme steeped in international pride, the game taps into the drama of the beautiful game and the glory it promises to those bold enough to compete.

Rather than simply layering on football imagery, Stadium of Riches channels the atmosphere of a decisive match – from referee whistles and goalkeeper gloves to glistening boots and the unmistakable roar of a packed arena. Every detail contributes to the sense of being moments away from glory, giving players the feel of a clutch performance on the world stage.

Football fans will find familiar ground here, but there’s more beneath the surface. Players who enjoyed Legacy of Dead will recognise the layered gameplay structure and visual weight of symbols, bridging a connection between ancient mythologies and modern sporting legends. And for players across Latin America and Spain, where football transcends sport and becomes culture, Stadium of Riches offers a compelling new home fixture.

Magnus Wallentin, Games Ambassador at Play’n GO, said: “Football is universal – its narratives, passion, and unpredictability connect fans globally. With Stadium of Riches, we’ve captured that energy in a way that feels authentic and exhilarating.”

This title is set to resonate with players who live for the big moments – when legends are made and the world watches.

The post Stadium of Riches kicks off a legendary contest of champions appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

CT Interactive

CT Interactive Expands in Romania with New Game Launch on Maxbet.ro

Published

1 hour ago

November 20, 2025

Niji Narayan

ct-interactive-expands-in-romania-with-new-game-launch-on-maxbet.ro

Reading Time: < 1 minute

CT Interactive is further expanding its presence in the regulated Romanian market through the launch of new gaming content on Maxbet.ro. This collaboration introduces a selection of top-performing titles designed to boost player engagement and enhance the overall gaming experience across the region.

As part of the collaboration, Maxbet.ro will feature two exclusive titles available only to its players — Kyoto Magic and Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus.

Martin Ivanov, Chief Operating Officer at CT Interactive, said: “Our collaboration with Maxbet.ro reflects our commitment to developing high-quality content that meets the demands of the modern Romanian player. Titles like Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus and Kyoto Magic showcase the best of our portfolio – dynamic gameplay, strategic depth, attractive bonus features and excellent math models.”

“We are confident that our exclusive titles will enhance the gaming experience for Maxbet’s players, offering them a richer, more immersive, and engaging journey,” added Bogdan Smeu, Regional Manager for Romania at CT Interactive.

In addition to the exclusive titles, Maxbet.ro will now feature a selection of CT Interactive’s most popular games, including 20 Mega Star, Lucky Clover 10, The Shining Globe, Zet Fruits and Doctor Winstein Buy Bonus.

The launch of this new content underscores CT Interactive’s commitment to the Romanian market, delivering premium gaming experiences that enhance player engagement and contribute to the long-term success of its partners.

The post CT Interactive Expands in Romania with New Game Launch on Maxbet.ro appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.