Connect with us

Latest News

IGT Streamlines Business and Leadership Under New Organizational Structure

Published

on

Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

International Game Technology PLC today announced a new organizational structure focused primarily on two business segments: Global Gaming and Global Lottery. This new structure is designed to:

  • provide greater responsiveness to customers and players;
  • increase IGT’s effectiveness and competitiveness in providing products and solutions that address the opportunities of each market segment;
  • harmonize best practices across both B2B and B2C channels in each product category; and
  • reduce complexity and increase organizational efficiency to support IGT’s intrinsic value.

“A simplified organizational structure grounded in our core competencies creates a stronger, more focused IGT,” said Marco Sala, CEO of IGT. “We have always maintained a customer-first mentality and are positioning ourselves to meet ever-evolving needs in a dynamic, global marketplace. Global product segments enable us to leverage our extraordinary talent, unique insights as both an operator and service provider, and economies of scale to continue delivering unrivalled gaming experiences and create value for all stakeholders.”

Reporting to Marco Sala, Renato Ascoli will serve as CEO, Global Gaming; Fabio Cairoli will serve as CEO, Global Lottery. This new structure is effective from July 1, 2020, and IGT will start reporting its financial results under these two business segments starting with the third quarter of 2020. Financial results for the second quarter of 2020 will be reported in line with the legacy organizational structure.

The Global Gaming and Global Lottery segments will have all of the key operating capabilities and autonomy necessary to manage the business, including product management, sales, technology and research and development. The business segments will be supported by central corporate support functions that remain largely unchanged from a leadership standpoint, with the addition of a New Business and Strategic Initiatives function. The new structure addresses key synergy and development areas, while continuing to ensure appropriate governance.

Global Gaming will have full responsibility for the IGT Gaming business, consolidating North America, International and Italy B2C Gaming responsibilities. This includes PlayDigital, Sports and Italy Gaming — led by Enrico Drago — as well as Global Gaming Sales, Global Gaming Product Management, Global Gaming Studios, Global Manufacturing, Operations and Services including Global Gaming Technology.

Global Lottery will have full responsibility for the IGT Lottery business, consolidating North America, International and Italy. This includes Global Lottery Sales and Operations, Global Lottery Product and Sales Development, and Global Lottery Technology and Support. This structure enhances global strategic vision and framework, leveraging proven customer focus and execution while positioning the organization for improved collaboration and best practices sharing.

Reporting to Marco Sala, Walter Bugno will lead a New Business and Strategic Initiatives corporate function. In line with the strategic objective of having a clear focus on our business’ priorities within IGT’s portfolio, this group is responsible for leading business development in jurisdictions where IGT is not present, and where — while there may be a company presence — there is no defined product segment presence.

Additionally, the New Business and Strategic Initiatives group is responsible for managing new in-country initiatives during the start-up phase and offering on-demand commercial support globally for key accounts with multiple product requirements. It will also be responsible for managing key strategic initiatives within existing jurisdictions as needed and as determined by company leadership. The group will work in unison with the two new global business units in delivery of all initiatives, with financials rolling up to Global Gaming and Global Lottery.

Executive Biographies

Prior to his appointment as CEO, Global Gaming, Renato Ascoli served as CEO, North America of IGT PLC. In this capacity, other than serving all North America Customers, he held global responsibility for product development, manufacturing, product management, technology and delivery of all the Company’s portfolio outside of Italy.

Prior to his appointment as CEO, Global Lottery, Fabio Cairoli served as CEO Italy of IGT PLC, where he was responsible for managing all business lines, marketing services, and sales for the Company’s Italian operations. Through his leadership of the largest lottery operator in the world, Mr. Cairoli shares insights and best practices with other organizations in the Company.

Prior to his role as leader of IGT New Business and Strategic Initiatives, Walter Bugno served as CEO, International of IGT PLC, where he was responsible for the management and strategic development of the International region. He led the Company’s lottery, gaming, and interactive businesses throughout Europe (except Italy), as well as in the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.

For more information about IGT, visit IGT.com, go to Facebook at facebook.com/IGT, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/IGTnews, or watch IGT videos on YouTube at youtube.com/igt.

 

About IGT :

IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 12,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.

 

SOURCE International Game Technology PLC

Continue Reading
Advertisement

BMM

BMM TESTLABS PROMOTES SACHA MCLAUGHLIN TO VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL QUALITY ASSURANCE

Published

on

bmm-testlabs-promotes-sacha-mclaughlin-to-vice-president-of-global-quality-assurance

 

BMM Testlabs, the world’s original gaming test lab renowned for exceptional product compliance and certification services, today announced the promotion of Sacha McLaughlin to Vice President of Global Quality Assurance.

BMM’s President of Land-Based Gaming & Inspections, Kirk White, said, “Sacha has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and a customer-first attitude. Her experience and passion will be critical as we continue to grow our QA services to meet the always-evolving needs of the global gaming industry.”

With over 18 years of experience in software implementation and seven years in the gaming industry, McLaughlin brings extensive knowledge of both agile and waterfall development methodologies, test planning, project management, and cross-regional team leadership. She is recognized for her ability to build and scale QA organizations that deliver quality, speed, and value to customers.

McLaughlin joined BMM in 2018 and has held roles of increasing responsibility within the Company, most recently serving as Senior Director of Quality Assurance. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in expanding BMM’s QA capabilities and helping customers launch products into the global gaming market more quickly, with a focus on regulatory compliance, functionality, fairness, and security.

The post BMM TESTLABS PROMOTES SACHA MCLAUGHLIN TO VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL QUALITY ASSURANCE appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Eastern Europe

Totogaming Joins Cernica Pantelimon RunFest: Not Just Present, But Fully Participating

Published

on

totogaming-joins-cernica-pantelimon-runfest:-not-just-present,-but-fully-participating
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

“We weren’t just present — we were participants of Runfest. And that’s one of the most important aspects,” said Artak Ashkhatoyan, Deputy CEO of Totogaming.

On July 6, Totogaming joined the Cernica Pantelimon Runfest in Romania, once again emphasizing the importance of promoting amateur sports and a healthy lifestyle.

“Supporting such initiatives is a priority for TotoGaming. First, 50% of the proceeds from RunFest will be donated to the CLOVES Romania Foundation, supporting children affected by CLOVES Syndrome. And second, we’ve always believed in showing our passion for sports through actions, not just words. Have you noticed how we’re constantly rushing through life, yet when we look back, it often feels like we haven’t moved at all? It’s important for us to lead by example and show the importance of participation. This is exactly the message we’re promoting through our team’s active involvement in the marathon. After all, there can never be too much sport in our lives,” said TotoGaming’s Deputy CEO, Artak Ashkhatoyan.

A Simple Concept, a Powerful Impact

The concept of this sports event is straightforward: choose a distance between 1 to 21 kilometers and run. The goal? Make sport an integral part of everyday life. The crowd certainly embraced that, gathering as early as 8:30 a.m. — on a Sunday morning.

Totogaming contributed in two distinct capacities: as an official sponsor and as an active participant. A dedicated team of 13 employees represented the company at the Cernica Pantelimon RunFest, with 7 of them proudly taking part as runners.

More Than Just a Run

It wasn’t an easy challenge — especially because among Totogaming’s runners were people for whom running isn’t a daily habit, or even part of their life at all. Yet they couldn’t miss the opportunity, not least from the perspective of corporate responsibility.

“We just finished the 7.5-kilometer race!” shared Petrut-Adrian Toea from the Totogaming team.

“It was amazing, honestly. Around the 2-kilometer mark, I had this little battle with myself — I told myself I had to finish the race, no matter what. And I did it! I came in around 60th place out of over 100 runners, which for me is a really good result.”

“I see my participation as a small contribution toward promoting a healthy lifestyle. In my close circle, everyone knows I’m not exactly the sporty type. I’m not athletic, and I usually prefer having fun in other ways. But showing up here, early in the morning, in this intense heat, and completing almost 8 kilometers with just one short break — I think it set a good example.”

“I hope seeing someone like me finish this challenge motivates my friends to try something similar for their own health. I believe that’s a meaningful contribution”, – added Petrut-Andrea.

Totogaming also made it possible for every attendee to bring sport into their lives — quite literally. At the Totogaming tent, participants could ride stationary bikes and receive prizes based on the number of points they earned through their efforts.

Whether they were running, cycling, or simply cheering for friends, the goal for everyone was the same: to reach the destination of champions — by bringing sport into everyday life.

The post Totogaming Joins Cernica Pantelimon RunFest: Not Just Present, But Fully Participating appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

AI

Liftoff’s 2025 Mobile Ad Creative Index Reveals UGC Is a Key Differentiator for Top Apps

Published

on

liftoff’s-2025-mobile-ad-creative-index-reveals-ugc-is-a-key-differentiator-for-top-apps

 

Major findings from the newly launched report include playable ads having the potential to deliver impression-to-install rates 16 times that of non-playable formats for emerging gaming apps and a 20% increase in spending on interactive ads year over year.

Liftoff, a leading AI-enabled growth platform for the mobile app economy, has published its seventh annual Mobile Ad Creative Index. The report explores top creative trends that are attracting and scaling in ad spend across consumer apps and games. It also highlights the expanding role of AI in creative production, testing, and optimization.

This year’s Mobile Ad Creative Index specifically analyzes creative concepts that have excelled in scale for Liftoff’s highest-spending advertisers over the past 12 to 48 months. It is based on findings from over 4.7 trillion impressions, 263 billion clicks, and 1.1 billion installs between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2025.

 

Highlights from the report include:

Top consumer apps are investing in interactive ads to compete for engagement

In 2024, the share of spend on interactive ads for top apps increased by 20% year over year. The share of spend increased by 2% for spenders outside the top tier. Top-spending apps differentiate their campaigns by adding innovations to evergreen concepts such as social scrollers, carousels, and scratch-offs.

Playable ads deliver returns across ad budgets for mobile game advertisers

In 2024, the share of spend on playable ads for top games averaged 35% higher than other games. Across all ad budgets, however, playable ads delivered higher conversion rates. Impression-to-install rates were 8 times that of non-playable formats for top spenders and 16 times that of non-playable formats for other game advertisers.

Tailoring “metaplay” elements to motivations can improve performance

“Metaplay” elements—gameplay that diverges from an app’s core design to appeal to a broader audience—are widespread, but top games gain an edge by tailoring their metaplay ads to the publisher audience. The report found that aligning “metaplay” creative with publisher audiences resulted in a 93% increase in installs-per-mille.

UGC is becoming a key differentiator in driving scale for consumer apps

The share of spend on user-generated content (UGC) increased 11% for top-spending apps, with social and utility apps seeing the most significant jump of nearly 30% between 2023 and 2024.

Widespread adoption of Gen AI leads to more customized ad experiences

Creative teams increasingly leverage AI to enhance top-performing assets with 3D and motion and to create and test variations. Top advertisers also use AI to recombine their assets in customized ad experiences that break away from standard video to playable formats.

Yann Zeller, Chief of Staff, Creative at Liftoff, said: “Today’s creative landscape is shaped by a single, powerful truth: attention is the commodity, and brands, games, and influencers are all vying for it. Great mobile ad experiences can earn attention by aligning context with behavior. As ad formats become richer and AI expands our ability to personalize and adapt creatives at scale, we’re able to unlock new insights into user behavior and motivation. We see users spend meaningful stretches with the right content, sometimes 60 to 90 seconds when the ad feels personal or prompts meaningful participation. This isn’t just a better way to advertise—it’s a better way to tell stories and the most exciting brief we’ve had in years.”

Soren Steelquist, Director of Creative Production, said: “The proof is in the data—more and more consumer apps are incorporating UGC into every stage of their marketing, and programmatic is no different. UGC works because it’s authentic and relatable, and users are more likely to be influenced by ad when it’s coming from a trustworthy source. To see higher impact from UGC creatives, work with a partner that can match the right creator with your brand and develop winning concepts that resonate with audiences.”

The post Liftoff’s 2025 Mobile Ad Creative Index Reveals UGC Is a Key Differentiator for Top Apps appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Trending