BMM Innovation Group, a technology conglomerate focused on product compliance testing, training, and cybersecurity solutions for the global gaming industry, today announced the appointment of John Helderman as Chief Financial & Administrative Officer.

With more than two decades of executive leadership in the gaming, finance, hospitality, and nonprofit sectors, Helderman brings extensive experience in financial strategy, operational oversight, and enterprise transformation. In his role, Helderman will help drive continued growth and strategic execution for the BIG Group.

BIG Chief Executive Officer Martin Storm said, “John’s deep financial expertise and operational leadership make him an outstanding addition to the BIG executive team. He has a strong track record of aligning financial strategy with organizational growth and creating value across complex, multi-entity businesses. His leadership will be important as we continue to expand our services and technology footprint.”

Before joining BIG, Helderman served as Chief Financial Officer of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a $1 billion luxury resort, where he led accounting, IT, and procurement and was licensed as a Key Executive by the Nevada Gaming Commission. He also held CFO roles at Bluberi Gaming and The Brennan Entities, modernizing financial systems, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting liquidity management during critical growth periods.

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Earlier in his career, Helderman served as President & Chief Executive Officer of Goodwill Industries of Southern Nevada, where he led a financial turnaround that improved operating income tenfold. He also held senior finance roles at Caesars Entertainment, including Vice President of Finance and Capital Planning, managing large-scale budgeting and investment strategies across multiple Las Vegas Strip properties.

Helderman earned a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law and bachelor’s degrees in business management and economics from North Carolina State University. He is a licensed attorney in both Georgia and North Carolina and serves on the board of Goodwill Industries of Southern Nevada.

Helderman said, “Joining BMM Innovation Group is an incredible opportunity. BIG is a powerhouse in gaming and technology, and I’m thrilled to be part of a team that’s transforming gambling industry performance. I’m excited to help refine BIG’s strategies, systems, and processes and build on the momentum that’s already driving BIG’s growth worldwide.”

Strategic acquisition positions BMM for rapid global expansion and increased operational scale in the fast-growing regulated gaming sector

The Visualize Group (“Visualize”), a private investment firm focused on concentrated investing in mission-critical, services-based companies,  announced that it has agreed to acquire BMM Testlabs (“BMM”), a leading provider of testing, inspection, compliance, and certification (“TICC”) services for the global regulated gaming industry. BMM Testlabs’ President and Chief Executive Officer Martin Storm will retain a significant stake as part of the transaction and continue leading the business. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.

Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, and founded in 1981, BMM provides TICC services to gaming product suppliers in regulated gaming markets across six continents. With a 44-year track record of commitment to integrity, innovation, and technical excellence, BMM ensures that gaming products meet regulatory standards and deliver secure, fair, and reliable experiences. Visualize will seek to uphold BMM’s reputation of service excellence and invest in supporting its customer base as regulated gaming markets continue to expand and grow globally.

As part of the transaction, Visualize will implement a broad-based employee ownership program to allow BMM’s employees the opportunity to participate in Visualize’s value creation plan for BMM, which includes several pre-identified organic and inorganic growth initiatives.

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BMM Testlabs President and Chief Executive Officer Martin Storm said, “For 44 years, BMM has dedicated itself to becoming the premier service provider and partner to gaming regulators, suppliers, and operators, ensuring that regulated gaming is conducted safely, transparently, and compliantly. It’s a privilege to contribute to this journey and witness the achievement of our ambitious goals. Partnering with Visualize marks an exciting new chapter, as together we will drive growth for BMM and seize the immense opportunities within the evolving gaming market.”

C.C. Melvin Ike, Managing Partner of Visualize, said, “As thematic investors, we strive to invest in exceptional businesses and management teams providing mission-critical services in growing markets. BMM exemplifies this. Our team has closely studied the rapid global expansion of regulated gaming markets, and we believe this trajectory will continue. As new jurisdictions open around the world, the need for safe and compliant gaming continues to rise. With its global footprint, track record of technical leadership, and trusted reputation in the market, we believe BMM is the best-positioned regulatory technology platform to capitalize on the market opportunity. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Storm and the entire team at BMM.”

Advisors
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP acted as legal counsel to Visualize. Gadens acted as legal counsel to BMM Testlabs.

BMM Testlabs, BIG Cyber and RG24seven virtual training companies to have major presence at WIGC show February 19 to 22 in Temecula, California

BMM Innovation Group (BIG), a technology conglomerate providing world-class services and cutting-edge solutions to the global gaming industry, today announced the company’s attendance and support of this week’s Western Indian Gaming Conference (WIGC) & Trade Show hosted by CNIGA at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.

“We are honored to participate in the WIGC, a pivotal gathering that underscores the strength and vibrancy of the tribal gaming industry,” the Tribal Services Senior Director for BMM, Sean Mason (pictured), said. “At BMM, we are committed to supporting the event and contributing to the success of tribal gaming enterprises. Our engagement reflects our dedication to fostering innovation, integrity and compliance excellence within the tribal gaming sector. We look forward to meaningful discussions, networking and showcasing how BMM’s expertise can elevate the gaming experience for tribal regulators, casino operators and their patrons.”

BIG is supporting the WIGC event through a presentation hosted by BMM Testlabs, a cybersecurity defense presence with attendance by BIG Cyber and demonstrations of RG24seven virtual training in booth #69 at the exhibition. BMM Testlabs will also host a presentation for show attendees at 3:20pm on Wednesday, February 21.

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The BMM-sponsored panel, The Compliance Approach While Being Proactive to Regulations, will discuss effective ways to evolve regulatory frameworks alongside technological advancements to foster a fair, secure and responsible tribal gaming environment. The panel will be moderated by BMM’s Senior Tribal Services Manager, Holly Billy, with panelists Sean Mason (Senior Director of Tribal Services, BMM Testlabs), Tim Cotton (IT Audit Manager, National Indian Gaming Commission), Jose Gonzalez (Director of Compliance, Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribal Gaming Agency) and Kelly Myers (Director of Governmental Affairs, GLI).