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SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited confirmed that the New Zealand Gambling Commission has granted SkyCity Queenstown Limited with a renewal of its casino venue licence for a further 15 years from 7 December 2025, pursuant to section 134 of the Gambling Act 2003.

SkyCity Chief Executive Officer, Jason Walbridge, said: “We’re delighted with this outcome. We look forward to continuing to play our part in Queenstown’s fantastic range of entertainment for both locals and visitors.”

The post SkyCity Announces Renewal of Queenstown Casino Licence appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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The Rank Group Plc has announced that John H. Ott will be appointed as chair of the Company, with effect from 17 November 2025.

John is currently a Senior Advisory Partner at Bain & Company, UK, having joined the company in 2006, alongside being a founder, investor and board member for two private businesses, a data and technology services business, and a global fractional ownership business. A highly experienced business consultant with more than 40 years of global experience, John commenced his career in the financial services sector in the US before joining McKinsey & Company in 1989. John moved to the UK in 2003 to join Barclays Bank as Group Strategy and M&A Director before joining Bain and Company, UK. Throughout his extensive career, John has worked in senior positions in Europe, the USA and the Far East, advising CEOs and Boards globally.

John will succeed Karen Whitworth, who has served as the interim chair since 15 October 2025. Karen will resume her role as both Senior Independent Director and Audit Chair.

Karen Whitworth, interim chair, said: “During a rigorous and wide-ranging selection process, John emerged as the stand-out candidate to become Rank’s chair. His wealth of experience in highly regulated industries, and advising and working with boards across the globe, will provide the Group with the expertise and leadership that it requires as we embark on the next phase of our strategic journey.”

The post John H. Ott to Take Over as Rank Group Chair on Nov 17 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Menace, a disruptive new iGaming brand backed by its own media operation, has launched with the mission to create player experiences where power, entertainment and money collide.

The new brand is founded by experienced iGaming executive Dmitry Belianin, alongside a group of industry veterans.

It’s backed by a media group, also operating under the Menace banner, which has already accumulated 2.5 million followers across social channels. It is generating 400 million monthly organic views, up from 30 million at the start of the year.

Many have been drawn to its bold take on sport and unashamedly male aesthetic across several niches, including MMA, boxing, NFL, football and padel.

“With Menace, we’re declaring war on the ordinary,” said founder Dmitry Belianin. “We are building Menace into a cult-like, global lifestyle and entertainment brand across sports, media and gambling.

“The aim is to eventually enter the biggest regulated markets in the world, and the early success of our media assets shows we have the potential to scale extremely quickly. Soon, everyone will want to become a menace.”

A team of 85 has been building Menace in stealth mode over the previous few months. The brand, which will be entering regulated markets, blends flexible payments across both fiat and crypto with modern technology, free-to-play, media assets and other gambling verticals. It is laser-focused on delivering the ultimate player experience.

An affiliate programme, Menace Partners, is already live and designed to grow alongside some of the boldest names in content and marketing.

The post Dmitry Belianin launches new operator brand and media ecosystem, Menace appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.