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IGT Announces Executive and Board Leadership Changes
International Game Technology PLC announced that on January 14, 2022 its board of directors implemented a number of changes to the Company’s executive team and board.
Lorenzo Pellicioli will retire as chairperson of the IGT Board of Directors and will remain a non-executive director. Marco Sala, currently CEO of IGT, will become executive chair of the board. Vincent Sadusky will become CEO and executive director of the board. These changes will be effective January 24, 2022.
In a separate release today, B&D Holding S.p.A., the controlling shareholder of De Agostini S.p.A., announced that Marco Sala will be proposed at the June 2022 meeting of the corporate bodies of De Agostini as the next CEO of De Agostini, succeeding Lorenzo Pellicioli, who is retiring from the position.
“The changes to the IGT executive team and board are an important step in positioning the Company for the next phase of its evolution. The actions further strengthen IGT’s capabilities to execute on its long-term strategy and the value creation initiatives identified in the Company’s recent investor day. It is a natural evolution for Marco to lead the IGT board. More importantly, during his 19-years at IGT and its predecessor companies, he has a proven track record of success and has earned the trust and respect of IGT’s customers, investors, business partners and regulators. As executive chair, Marco will focus on managing the board, corporate governance, including sustainability initiatives, and guiding the strategic direction of IGT.
“Likewise, we are delighted to announce that Vince Sadusky, a seasoned executive, long-time member of the current IGT board as well as that of its predecessor companies and the former chair of our audit committee will succeed Marco as CEO. Vince brings a unique set of skills to the role, where he combines his knowledge of IGT with his demonstrated ability to create shareholder value with decades in leadership roles in public and private companies in dynamic industries, including digital and media. His transition into the CEO role will be relatively seamless,” said Lorenzo Pellicioli, chairperson of IGT.
“I am looking forward to taking on the new role of executive chair at IGT and to partner with Vince, with whom I have worked extensively over the years, in leading IGT forward. I believe our skills and experiences are complementary and will serve our stakeholders well. In particular, Vince’s vast experience with portfolio companies and capital markets will be valuable as we look to execute on our strategy,” said Marco Sala, CEO of IGT.
“IGT is well-positioned for the future, and I am very excited to join the Company as its next CEO. With a seasoned executive team and very talented group of employees across the world, it represents a great opportunity for me to support an industry leader in the next phase of its growth,” said Vincent Sadusky.
The board of directors also appointed Maria Pinelli and Ashley Hunter as non-executive directors of the board. Ms. Hunter was also appointed to the Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Ms. Pinelli was appointed chair of the Company’s Audit Committee, replacing Vincent Sadusky. These changes were effective January 14, 2022.
“We are delighted to have Maria and Ashley join our board. They both bring deep and diverse professional experiences to IGT to enhance our board composition. We are looking forward to their contributions,” said Lorenzo Pellicioli, chairperson of IGT.
Executive & Director Biographies
Lorenzo Pellicioli served as chairperson of the IGT Board of Directors from November, 2018 to January, 2022 after serving as vice-chairperson since April 2015. From August 2006 to April 2015, he was chairperson of the GTECH S.p.A. (formerly Lottomatica Group) Board of Directors. He has served as CEO of De Agostini S.p.A. since November 2005. He has also served as a director of IDeA Alternative Investments S.p.A. and as managing director of DeA Factor S.p.A. Mr. Pellicioli serves as chairman of the board of directors of DeA Capital, as a director of Banijay Group SAS and LDH SAS, and he is also a member of the compensation committee and of the appointments and corporate governance committee and director of the board of directors of Assicurazioni Generali.
Marco Sala was CEO of IGT from April, 2015 to January, 2022. In addition to serving on the board of directors for IGT in his role as CEO, in May 2020 he was appointed to the board of directors for De Agostini S.p.A. Prior to April 2015, he served as CEO of GTECH S.p.A. (formerly Lottomatica Group) since April 2009 and was responsible for overseeing all of the Company’s segments including the Americas, international, Italy, and products and services. He joined the Company as co-general manager in 2003 and has since served as a member of the board of directors. In August 2006, he was appointed managing director with responsibility for the Company’s Italian operations and other European activities. Previously, he was CEO of Buffetti, Italy’s leading office equipment and supply retail chain. Prior to Buffetti, Sala served as head of the business directories division for SEAT Pagine Gialle. Earlier in his career, he worked at Magneti Marelli (a Fiat Group company) and Kraft Foods.
Vincent Sadusky was CEO and board member of Univision Communications from 2018 to 2020, the largest Hispanic media company in the US, operating multiple broadcast and cable networks, local TV and radio stations, digital video and audio streaming. Prior to Univision, he was CEO and board member from 2014 to 2017 of Media General, a local TV station and digital media company with more than 50 TV stations and 5,000 employees. From 2006 to 2014, he was CEO and board member of LIN Media, a local TV station broadcaster and digital media company. He also served as CFO of LIN Media from 2004 to 2006 and was CFO of Telemundo Communications from 1999 to 2004. In addition to serving on the IGT board of directors since 2010 and most recently chairing its audit committee, Sadusky has served on the boards of the Paley Center for Media, the National Association of Broadcasters and was the treasurer for the NBC Affiliates Board. Earlier in his career, he worked at Ernst & Young, and co-founded JVB Financial Group and Zeus Financial, fixed-income securities trading firms.
Maria Pinelli is a global C-suite executive who currently serves as a member of the board of directors for Globant and board director and chair of the audit committee for Archer Aviation, Inc. and Clarim Acquisition Corp. She served in a variety of leadership roles at EY from October, 1986 to November, 2020, including consumer products and retail leader, global vice chair – strategic growth markets, global IPO leader, and Americas leader – strategic growth markets. In her role as an advisor at EY, she successfully led more than 20 IPOs in four different countries and more than 25 M&A transactions worldwide. Her experience includes strategic transactions and due diligence advice, Sarbanes-Oxley implementation and stakeholder management. She has served as an advisor to some of the world’s most iconic e-commerce, consumer products, and retail brands.
Ashley Hunter has been a lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin School of Information since 2015, and is the founding partner of A. Hunter & Company, a leading risk management advisory firm. Previously she was managing director of HM Risk Group LLC where she assisted many startups and corporations with alternative risk transfer schemes and reinsurance placement, globally. Under her leadership, HM Risk Group became a leader in the development of niche insurance products for the sharing and assistive reproductive technology industry. Prior to founding HM Risk Group in 2006, she worked in various claims and underwriting management positions for State Farm Insurance Companies, The Hartford Insurance Company and AIG Insurance Company.
a betting platform
BETesporte Reinforces Commitment to Sports with Major Investments Across Brazil

Investment in championships, clubs, and national teams expands media assets and positions BETesporte as a key player in Brazil’s sports market.
BETesporte, a betting platform that proudly carries “sports” in its name, is reaffirming its leadership in the industry by reporting consistent investment results over the past four months. While most betting platforms generate the majority of their revenue from online games (virtual casinos), BETesporte stands out as one of the few where sports betting leads the way — accounting for 65% of its total revenue, compared to 35% from online games. This figure directly reflects its brand strategy and commitment to strengthening Brazilian sports.
“Over the last four months, we’ve consolidated our presence on multiple fronts, focusing on strategic returns and high-quality visibility. We’ve sponsored several state championships in all regions of the country, including the Paulista, Paranaense, Carioca, Alagoano, Gaúcho, Pernambucano, Cearense, Catarinense, Baiano, and Mineiro tournaments, as well as the highly engaging Copa do Nordeste. We’ve also invested in Series A and B of the Brasileirão, placing our brand on Brazil’s biggest football stages and ensuring mass exposure with a high value per impression. It’s a strategic allocation of resources designed to generate brand impact and strengthen the Brazilian sports ecosystem,” said Thiago Carvalho, CFO at BETesporte.
Among the platform’s most notable recent acquisitions is brand exposure during Brazil’s national team matches in the World Cup Qualifiers — a move that reinforces BETesporte’s presence on the global football stage and strengthens its connection with fans during highly visible moments.
“We truly believe in the power of sports as a driver of connection and engagement. At BETesporte, we’re constantly investing in improving our platform with new features and more real-time betting options. Our marketing plan is performance-oriented: we aim to energize Brazil’s sports scene through active sponsorships in Series A and B of the national league — with master sponsorships, LED field displays, and direct club support. We bet on sports both as a passion and a business,” added Danylo Campos, CTO of BETesporte.
Beyond football, BETesporte is expanding its social impact by supporting up-and-coming athletes, providing financial assistance to help them compete and grow in sports like kickboxing, table tennis, and jiu-jitsu — an initiative that helps uncover new talent and democratize access to high-performance sports.
The company also maintains partnerships with traditional clubs like CRB, CSA, and Volta Redonda, reinforcing its regional presence and boosting local fanbases with strong community ties.
BETesporte’s credibility is further strengthened by the presence of legendary Brazilian football figures as brand ambassadors, including Zico, Vampeta, Diego Souza, and Macaé — personalities who bring even more legitimacy to the company’s presence in the sports world.
The post BETesporte Reinforces Commitment to Sports with Major Investments Across Brazil appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
California Gambling Control Commission
California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives
Sacramento, CA — In a meeting packed with regulatory updates and licensing decisions, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened on April 24 to advance numerous agenda items impacting the state’s gambling landscape—from tribal gaming approvals to responsible gambling programs and operator renewals.
Problem Gambling & Public Health Takes the Stage
The Commission meeting opened with a presentation by Sosha Marasigan-Quintero from the California Department of Public Health, offering an overview and update on the California Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program. While no specific staff recommendations were provided, the update underscores California’s continued focus on behavioral health in gambling.
Tribal Revenue Distribution Approved
The Commission approved the quarterly distribution of payments from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund to eligible recipient Indian Tribes. This routine, yet vital, procedure ensures the equitable distribution of revenue to support tribal sovereignty and infrastructure across the state.
Cardroom Licensing: Approvals and Extensions
Among key licensing matters:
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500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
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Casino Chico, Hollywood Park Casino, and Lake Bowl Cardroom were granted renewals and short-term extensions, some with conditions such as improving record-keeping systems or ensuring regulatory compliance ahead of reopening.
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Hotel Del Rio & Casino was granted a 60-day extension under several strict conditions, including updated safety plans and the restatement of commingled financial records.
Key Employee Licensing Actions
The Commission approved several initial and renewal key employee licenses. Notably:
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Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
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Kevin Lee and George Rahme received 120-day extensions for renewal processing.
Third-Party Proposition Player Services Under Scrutiny
The Commission approved both initial and temporary licenses for Fortune Players Group, Inc., with a lengthy list of conditions tied to the conduct of a former associate, Rene Medina. These conditions highlight the Commission’s ongoing vigilance in monitoring third-party player services and maintaining compliance across operations.
Progressive Gaming, LLC was also approved for an initial license, further expanding third-party service provider capacity.
Gaming Resource Suppliers & Tribal Approvals
Initial suitability findings for several prominent tribal gaming resource suppliers were approved, including:
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HCAL, LLC
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JCM Global
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Konami Gaming, Inc.
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PDS Gaming, LLC
Dozens of tribal gaming employees were also approved for key positions at tribal casinos across California, reflecting the Commission’s continued support of tribal gaming operations and the necessary workforce to support it.
Notable Withdrawals and Denials
In two notable cases, requests to withdraw license applications—Josephine Hoang and Jesus Bojorquez—were denied, signaling the Commission’s increased scrutiny and emphasis on applicant accountability.
A Broader Look Ahead
With regulatory reform on the horizon and ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming, the April 2025 CGCC meeting showcased a mix of routine license management and deeper engagement with emerging compliance issues. As the Commission prepares for the next quarter, the groundwork laid in this session will likely influence policy developments and enforcement trends across California’s gambling sector.
The post California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Latest News
Trends in affiliate marketing in 2025 from Boomerang Partners: AI, Personalized Engagement, Crypto, Betting, and Tournaments

Affiliate marketing in 2025 has evolved far beyond just boosting traffic or generating clicks — it’s now all about building value-rich ecosystems and partnerships where each user interaction is fine-tuned for maximum relevance and effectiveness.
Boomerang Partners, a rapidly growing global brand behind the annual Golden Boomerang Awards for affiliate teams around the world, shares insights about the key trends of 2025 in the affiliate marketing industry. These trends are driven by advancements in AI, blockchain, and personalization technologies.
AI-powered optimization
Advanced AI tools empower affiliates to launch highly personalized campaigns on a large scale. By analyzing user behavior in real time, these tools help marketers anticipate user intent and deliver customized content that speaks directly to distinct audience needs.
With AI-powered tools, affiliate managers can plan, execute, and evaluate campaigns with minimal human intervention. This saves time when adjusting strategies and making data-driven decisions.
Personalized engagement
Using data on user behavior and preferences, affiliate managers tailor content, advertising campaigns, and product recommendations. This leads to increased engagement and conversions.
AI-powered personalization relies heavily on real-time insights into user behavior. Key elements include maintaining contextual relevance, steering clear of excessive segmentation, and optimizing content dynamically. Instead of relying on fixed strategies, marketers now continuously refine campaigns using live data. To maximize impact, marketers should combine AI solutions with A/B testing processes, forming a feedback loop that enhances content effectiveness with each iteration.
Crypto betting boom
In 2025, integrating cryptocurrencies into iGaming affiliate marketing will become increasingly prominent. This trend is fueled by industry growth and the increasing adoption of blockchain technology. Using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum increases the security of transactions and provides exposure to an international audience. Cryptocurrencies also open up new revenue streams and foster innovation in the field.
Affiliates integrating cryptocurrency into their platforms have seen advantages like quicker payment processing, reduced transaction costs, and enhanced security. Built on decentralized technology, crypto promotes greater transparency, helping to foster trust compared to conventional centralized financial systems.
Affiliate tournaments
Industry tournaments boost brand visibility and help build strong affiliate communities. Affiliate tournaments have become a trend in the industry. They are mainly organized by affiliate programs and feature valuable prizes — from iPhones and MacBooks to luxury cars and cash rewards. Boomerang Partners took it a step further by launching the annual Global Boomerang Partners Awards.
This year, Boomerang Partners is hosting its second annual tournament for affiliates worldwide, the Golden Boomerang Awards 2025, it runs through May 11. More than 400 teams are participating. Monthly prizes are given out for completing intermediate tasks. The top 30 contestants will reach the finals and compete for 11 awards, including the Grand Prix. They will also be able to attend the global networking event in Milan at San Siro. Registration for the tournament is open until May 5. There’s still time to register before the final prize drawing on May 3. The organizer will ensure the fulfillment of dreams. The winner will choose how to use the prize – for travel, education, or a top device.
Join Boomerang Partners and the Golden Boomerang Awards 2025.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global brand offering a wide range of services. Boomerang is the Official Regional Betting Partner of AC Milan and collaborates with women’s football star and influencer Alisha Lehmann. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards 2024, the first annual global affiliate tournament. Boomerang Partners’ betting segment surged 5x, and gambling — 2x in 2024. Its affiliate program demonstrated a 120% increase in partners, and the number of sports betting offers surged more than 6 times. Six new products were launched by Boomerang in 2024, which contributed to an almost 1.5-fold increase in product users.
Boomerang’s portfolio contains 15+ gambling brands, including sportsbooks. They cover over 35 GEOs and offer a wide range of betting options with favorable odds. These products provide personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support.
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