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Sightline Payments Expands Management Team with Appointment of New Chief Financial Officer and Chief Legal Officer
Recent $100 million capital raise helps Sightline also recruit talented Chief Marketing Officer, Chief People Officer and Chief of Staff executives
LAS VEGAS, April 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sightline Payments, a dynamic Financial Technology company that is enabling the next generation of cashless, mobile and omni-channel payment solutions for the gaming, lottery, sports betting, entertainment and hospitality ecosystems, today announced it has appointed five new executives to its senior leadership team.
John Gronen joins Sightline as Chief Financial Officer of the rapidly growing FinTech provider, while Jennifer Carleton will serve as the Companyâs Chief Legal Officer. Through its recent $100 million funding round announced on April 1, Sightline Payments has also appointed Muriel Lotto as Chief Marketing Officer, while Katrina Sevier will serve as its Chief People Officer and Felicia Gassen will be Chief of Staff. The executive appointments strengthen Sightline Paymentsâ leadership as the company scales to support rapid growth and customer demand.
âWe are pleased to welcome John, Jennifer, Muriel, Felicia and Katrina to Sightline Payments. The collective expertise and proven track record that they bring from working with some of the worldâs most recognized companies will play an instrumental role in managing the company’s hyper-growth and expansion,â said Joe Pappano, CEO of Sightline Payments. âIn the near- and long-term, we plan to invest significant capital in recruiting diverse and expert talent to drive key Sightline priorities around market growth and innovation. Our goal is to have the most talented and diverse team in the gaming and payments industries.â
John Gronen, Chief Financial Officer
John Gronen has been appointed CFO for Sightline where he will oversee all finance operations including banking, treasury, budgeting, and reporting. His experience delivers deep value to the Company having recently served as CFO for payments processor VPay, Inc. and head of operations for VCE, a subsidiary of EMC, Cisco Systems and VMWare. Previously he held senior finance and accounting roles with Technisource, Alltel and Delta Trust and Bank.
John will also play key roles for Sightline in M&A and fundraising in support of the Companyâs high-octane organic and inorganic growth strategies.
Jennifer Carleton, Chief Legal Officer
Jennifer Carleton joins Sightline having spent her entire legal career in the gaming sector. She was in-house counsel for an Indian casino and for the last 14 years an adviser to some of the premier public and private gaming and investment companies in the world.
Working in gaming for the past two decades has enabled Jennifer to develop a unique expertise in payments, mobile, internet and sports gaming, as well as an insiderâs familiarity with the unique issues that arise when technology and regulation intersect. Jennifer is helping to establish an advanced Indian law and advanced gaming curriculum at the UNLV Boyd School of Law through her teaching at the law school and her work with the Deanâs Advisory Council.
Jennifer also dedicates a substantial amount of time to professional development and corporate philanthropy within her community. She is currently the chair of the Tyler Robinson Foundation, the charitable arm of the Grammy-winning band Imagine Dragons, dedicated to raising funds for pediatric cancer families.
Muriel Lotto, Chief Marketing Officer
Muriel Lotto brings over 25 years in International Marketing to her new role as Sightline Paymentsâ Chief Marketing Officer. Muriel has worked in France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and in the United States at leading companies including Nestle, Unilever, Royal & SunAlliance, Bupa and Western Union.
Muriel will lead transformative marketing strategies across audience definition and targeting, customer journeys, messaging, and media mix optimization. In her role, she will drive brand awareness and commercial results through public relations, creative, and advertising partners.Â
Katrina Sevier, Chief People Officer
Katrina Sevier brings expertise around the ever-changing organizational landscape of culture and talent. Katrina will be tasked with growing Sightline Paymentsâ team, which will double in size this year.
Prior to Sightline Payments, Katrina led comprehensive talent strategies delivering growth and implementing change across global organizations in the financial services, technology, media, and advertising industries including Western Union and IPG Mediabrands.
A steadfast believer that the employee and customer experiences are connected, Katrina will build and implement the companyâs talent plan to support business growth.Â
Felicia Gassen, Chief of Staff
Felicia Gassen has been appointed Chief of Staff to CEO Joe Pappano and the executive leadership team. She is the former Executive Director of Global Gaming Women where she managed the executive board of directors, committees, sponsorship, and global membership. Previously her work included the management of research, grants and education programs in the fields of bioengineering, biotechnology, and bioinformatics. Felicia strongly believes in collaboration, amplifying voices and building connections with people across disciplines. Felicia attended both the University of California, Berkeley and University of Nevada, Las Vegas and holds a BFA in Fine Art and Art History.
For Executive Leadership headshots, please visit: https://sightlinepayments.com/leadership/
About Sightline Payments
Sightline Payments (âSightlineâ or the âCompanyâ), is a dynamic Financial Technology (FinTech) company that is enabling the next generation of cashless, mobile and omni-channel payment solutions for the gaming, lottery, sports betting, entertainment and hospitality ecosystems. The Company has more than 1.5 million enrolled Play+ accounts across its current portfolio of more than 70 programs in 39 States, and is poised to build on this presence, commensurate with the expansion visible in the underlying markets it serves. One of the key segments the Company serves is online gaming (both sports betting and iGaming), which is expected to build from $3 billion in total revenue to $22 billion over the next five years. In addition, the Companyâs digital payment solutions directly address the wider gaming industryâs opportunity to transform traditional gaming floors into cashless ecosystems, a $90 billion revenue market serving over 100 million customers annually. Sightline is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Learn more at https://sightlinepayments.com.
Media Contact:
Susan Donahue
Skyya PR for Sightline Payments
[email protected]
Â
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Atlaslive Analysis: European Gambling Market Enters âŹ123.4 Billion Digital-First Era

Reading Time: 3 minutes
Atlaslive, a premier iGaming platform provider, today released a comprehensive analysis of the European gambling market transformation, revealing that the industryâs âŹ123.4 billion revenue base is undergoing unprecedented digital evolution. The analysis, based on latest market intelligence from European Gaming & Betting Association in partnership with H2 Gambling Capital, identifies mobile gaming as the dominant force reshaping player engagement across the continent.
Mobile Revolution Drives Market Transformation
Atlasliveâs analysis reveals that mobile devices now generate 58% of Europeâs online gambling revenue in 2024, with projections indicating this figure will surge to 67% by 2029. This mobile-first transformation represents a fundamental shift in how operators must approach platform development and player acquisition strategies.
âThe data unequivocally demonstrates that the future of European gambling is mobile-first,â said Anastasiia Poltavets, CMO at Atlaslive. âOperators who fail to prioritize mobile optimization and user experience will find themselves increasingly marginalized in a market where player expectations have fundamentally evolved.â
Online Gambling Accelerates Toward 45% Market Share
The analysis identifies online gambling as the clear growth engine of the European market, with digital channels expected to command 45% of total gambling revenue by 2029, up from 39% in 2024. This âŹ66.8 billion online market projection represents a 6.9% compound annual growth rate, significantly outpacing the 1.8% growth expected in land-based gambling.
Key growth drivers identified by Atlaslive include:
- Casino games leading digital adoption: âŹ21.5 billion in 2024, growing to âŹ30.8 billion by 2029
- Sports betting momentum: âŹ13.7 billion online revenue with 6.9% annual growth trajectory
- Lottery digital transformation: Strongest growth potential at 7.7% annually, reaching âŹ10.4 billion by 2029
Geographic Disparities Signal Untapped Opportunities
Country-by-country analysis reveals significant market maturity variations across Europe, presenting strategic opportunities for technology providers and operators.
Digital Leaders:
- Sweden: 68.3% online share
- Finland and Denmark: Both at 68.1% online share
- Strong mobile adoption and regulatory frameworks driving digital-first engagement
Growth Markets:
- Italy: Europeâs largest market at âŹ21.0 billion with only 21.7% online penetration
- Germany: âŹ14.4 billion market with 22.6% online share indicating substantial digital expansion potential
- France: âŹ14.0 billion market with significant room for online growth
Strategic Implications for Industry Stakeholders
The Atlaslive analysis identifies several critical success factors for market participants:
For Operators:
- Mobile-native platform architecture becomes non-negotiable
- Omnichannel integration essential for capturing cross-platform player value
- Geographic expansion strategies should prioritize markets with low online penetration
For Technology Providers:
- Platform scalability must accommodate sustained high-growth environments
- Cross-jurisdictional compliance capabilities increasingly valuable
- Mobile-first development methodologies essential for competitive positioning
Market Resilience Demonstrates Industry Maturity
Despite digital transformation, analysis confirms the continued relevance of land-based gambling, which maintains âŹ75.5 billion in 2024 revenue and projects steady 1.8% annual growth. This dual-track evolution demonstrates industry maturity and the enduring appeal of gambling experiences.
âThe European gambling market is demonstrating remarkable sophistication in its evolution,â added Anastasiia Poltavets. âRather than simple digital displacement, weâre witnessing the emergence of a truly integrated ecosystem where online and land-based channels complement and enhance each other.â
To explore the full report, regional breakdowns, and strategic insights for 2025 and beyond, visit: https://atlaslive.tech/blog/the-european-gambling-revolution-euro1234-billion-market-transforms-in-the-digital-age.
This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.
About Atlaslive
Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.
The post Atlaslive Analysis: European Gambling Market Enters âŹ123.4 Billion Digital-First Era appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Clarion to introduce ICE Research Institute to industry opinion-formers as part of AI presentation at Gaming In Spain conference

A senior Clarion Gaming team led by Director of Industry Insight and Engagement, Ewa Bakun has been invited to speak at the Gaming in Spain conference, organised by Willem van Oort and taking place in Madrid on 26 June.
The presentation which will also see contributions from Clarion Gamingâs Liliana Costa, has the working title AI on ICE â cooperating with the Spanish and global research institutions to understand the impacts of Artificial Intelligence in the sector.
Looking ahead to the event Ewa Bakun said: âThe invitation to speak at Gaming In Spain provides a perfect environment to officially introduce the ICE Research Institute which as part of its remit is funding academic exploration of AI ethics and applications in the gambling sector.
âAs part of the relocation of ICE from London to Barcelona, Clarion Gaming together with Fira Barcelona have agreed a programme of collaboration with the objective of building a legacy which goes beyond the very significant economic impact of staging the worldâs biggest gambling technology show in the city.
âAn annual investment fund has been allocated with the ICE Research Institute (IRI) offering grants to scientific and academic institutions to fund research on prevention and sustainability.
âThe IRI is investing in research that generates hard data and provides a robust scientific base to inform decision making. Working closely with institutional stakeholders both in Spain and on the international stage the ICE Research Institute will promote cross-border scientific cooperation to ensure the ethical adoption of AI in the gambling industry.â
Gaming in Spain founder Willem van Oort, creator of the successful Gaming in Holland and Gaming in Germany communities said: âGaming In Spain provides essential business intelligence on the Spanish iGaming market and I am delighted to be able to include Ewa and colleagues from Clarion Gaming to provide an update on the work thatâs being undertaken by the ICE Research Institute.
âThe vision is to foster closer cooperation between research institutions and the industry resulting in evidence-based decisions and debates. The ethical adoption of AI in gambling is arguably one of the most contentious and topical debates impacting the industry and I am looking forward to learn more about the pioneering work being supported by the ICE Research Institute as part of the ICE Legacy Project.â
The post Clarion to introduce ICE Research Institute to industry opinion-formers as part of AI presentation at Gaming In Spain conference appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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96% of SPFL players know where to find support for gambling issues after EPIC and William Hill sessions

A survey of SPFL players that attended the competitionâs new gambling harm prevention education programme has shown that 96% of players are now confident that they know where to seek support if they are worried about their gambling behaviour, thanks to the knowledge provided to them as part of William Hillâs first season as title sponsors.
With the intention of ensuring that players and staff across all four divisions understand the importance of safer gambling, the programme has reached nearly 800 players and a further 160 staff members, as 37 clubs hosted talks during the 2024/25 season from two former professional footballers with their own past issues of gambling-related harm to share.
The two ex-pros â former Wales U21 and Wrexham striker Marc Williams and Scotland-capped former Liverpool defender Dominic Matteo â were seconded to clubs by EPIC Global Solutions; leaders in gambling harm prevention whose client base includes all 72 EFL clubs, MLB teams and the vast NCAA college sports network.
As a result of the sessions, alongside virtually every player now knowing where to seek support if they are worried about their gambling behaviour, 93% confirmed they now have a good or excellent level of awareness of professional athletesâ vulnerability to harmful gambling â an increase from 70% having that level of knowledge before the session.
The same post-session figure â 93% â also believed they had a good or excellent level of awareness around gambling and professional integrity, which rose from 74% before the session.
Neil Doncaster, SPFL group chief executive, said: âThese figures show the real impact that EPICâs gambling harm awareness programme has had with SPFL clubs and its players, which is great to see.
âWeâve had extremely positive feedback from our members on how informative the sessions have been and itâs excellent it has reached so many players and staff members across our game in its first season.
âWeâre proud to continue to support this partnership alongside William Hill and look forward to seeing it develop further in the seasons ahead.â
Among the players to take part in the series of talks was Hibernianâs Kieron Bowie, who made his Scotland debut in Mondayâs 4-0 win over Liechtenstein. Speaking after hearing how Marc Williamsâ professional career was affected by issues with problem gambling, he admitted:
âIn this industry, obviously you have a lot of free time; youâre in hotels overnight or youâre away on international duty and youâre left to your own devices, doing whatever on your phone. Itâs easy to get roped into that, especially in this environment where thereâs a lot of gambling, like cards on the buses and all that sort of stuff, so itâs easily done. Â
âI think seeing what he went through just reassures that thatâs not the path you want to go down.â
The education programme will continue for a second season in 2025/26, with a focus on extending the audience to include SPFL clubsâ academies and womenâs squads, as well as engaging with community trusts and supporter groups to ensure the message is also accessible to fans of all 42 clubs.
Per Widerstrom, CEO of evoke, the parent group of William Hill, said: âThe education programme is a fundamental element of our sponsorship. Itâs really important that we balance the passion of players and fans with gambling responsibly, and I am delighted to see such good progress made during our first year of sponsorship.Â
âWe now look forward to next season and extending the programme to academies, womenâs squads and supportersâ
The post 96% of SPFL players know where to find support for gambling issues after EPIC and William Hill sessions appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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