In a packed room at the prestigious ICR 2025 Conference held in Orlando, FL, Zoran Milosevic, CEO of Meridianbet, captivated the audience of elite investors with GMGI’s remarkable growth story and series of strategic market entries that position the company for significant value creation in 2025 and beyond. The company also led the conference with the highest number of one-on-one investor meetings, signaling strong interest in its growth trajectory.

The world-class event, also known as the financial market Super Bowl, is recognized as the planet’s premier small and medium-cap conference for US listed companies. It brought together over 3,000 attendees, including institutional investors, sell-side analysts, investment bankers, and private equity professionals.

This builds on the success at the 2024 Citi Global TMT Conference, when the company shared insights alongside industry giants like DraftKings, FanDuel, and IBM.

61% Year-Over-Year Growth Positions GMGI as Gaming Industry Leader

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The world’s elite investment audience found out a compelling history of growth: GMGI’s preliminary FY 2024 revenue surged 61% year-over-year to $150 million, with pro forma consolidated revenue reaching $163 million.

This exceptional growth trajectory, driven by strategic market expansions and technological innovation, showcases GMGI’s emerging dominance in the global gaming landscape.

Brazil: A Game-Changing Market Entry

In what could prove to be a transformative catalyst, Meridianbet secured a coveted federal license in Brazil – a market projected to reach $2.5-4 billion annually. With instant access to over 100 million potential customers across all 26 states, this strategic move positions GMGI to capture substantial market share in one of the world’s most lucrative gaming opportunities.

North American Expansion Accelerates

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The Group’s momentum in North America exemplifies its multi-market growth strategy:

• Strategic entry into the rapidly expanding U.S. sweepstakes gaming market, leveraging proprietary content from Expanse Studios
• Pending gaming license in Ontario, Canada’s largest regulated market
• Deployment of AI-driven gaming solutions to maximize player engagement and retention

 

GMGI’s Unified Ecosystem: A Competitive Moat

Meridianbet CEO showcased how the Group’s six synergistic companies create a formidable competitive advantage, presenting to investors a unique ecosystem:

• Meridianbet’s presence in 18 regulated jurisdictions, powered by 1,200+ employees including 100 software engineers
• Expanse Studios’ proprietary game development driving high-margin revenue lowering the reliance on third-party content
• Strategic assets across key growth markets: Mexplay in South America, Rkings in the UK, and Classics for a Cause in Australia

2025: Multiple Growth Catalysts Ahead

The confluence of strategic initiatives positions GMGI for accelerated growth:

• Brazil market ramp-up expected to drive substantial revenue expansion
• Proprietary AI technology deployment enhancing player monetization
• First-mover advantages in newly regulated markets
• Continued margin expansion through operational efficiencies

For investors seeking exposure to the explosive growth in global gaming, GMGI represents a unique opportunity: a proven operator with proprietary technology, multiple growth vectors, and strategic positioning in the world’s most promising gaming markets.

The post Meridianbet CEO Showcases GMGI’s $163M FY2024 Revenue, USA & Brazil Entry at ICR 2025 Conference appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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The ICE Esports Arena at ICE Barcelona 2025 plays a key role in educating people about esports and how to access, integrate and regulate this growing vertical, says Clarion Gaming’s leader in Emerging Technology and Esports.

“Part of the role of the Esports Arena and The Esports and Games Conference is explaining exactly what esports is,” said Will Harding. “There is still work to be done in helping regulators to better understand esports. That’s why showcasing esports here at ICE is so important – we’re empowering people who are at the forefront of shaping regulatory policy.”

The ICE Esports Arena continues to grow year-on-year, with four world-ranked professional Counter-Strike 2 teams competing live at ICE 2025 for a US$25,000 prize pool. This year’s winners were 500 (Bulgaria: World ranking: 47).

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“In terms of attendees, we have a whole spectrum of people here, from those that are still shocked that computer games have anything to do with sports betting to those that have built incredible businesses around esports,” Harding continued.

“There are also a number of visitors who realise that esports is significant for their business in terms of revenue but don’t necessarily know how to access this vertical, and we’re here to guide them toward unlocking its full potential.

“But the one thing which is absolutely certain is that esports betting is here to stay and it’s going to continue to grow”

He also praised headline partners, esports betting experts Oddin.gg, for their contribution in helping explain why esports is such a commercially important vertical for operators.

“Oddin.gg has been an excellent partner in realising the Esports Arena. Holding a professional esports tournament is a big endeavour. As our headline sponsor, Oddin.gg has played a key role in showcasing how the data and the odds work. They have helped complete the education journey,” he affirmed.

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Commenting on ICE’s move to Barcelona, Harding highlighted that both the city and the show’s new venue Fira Barcelona Gran Via have extensive experience with esports, providing a perfect location for the ICE Esports Arena’s continuing expansion.

“It’s very established here. You can walk around Barcelona and see large-scale internet cafes catering for esports fans,” he added. “This represents an ideal foundation for the continued growth of the Esports Arena and The Esports and Games Conference in the years ahead.”

The post Shaping the Future of Esports: ICE Esports Arena provides essential insights appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Native American tribes have autonomy on land casinos in various US states. One of them is the Seminole Tribe of Florida, a leading participant in Florida’s poker economy. In fact, the Sunshine State is one of the country’s easy-going centers for enjoying poker gaming.

Moreover, the native Indian community set the standard of excellence for poker operations. The tribe’s values go beyond offering a high-standard poker gaming experience. These tribal poker rooms are integral in creating employment or financial revenue.

A Brief History of the Seminole Tribe’s Casino Operations

In 1979, the Seminole Tribe of Florida set the benchmark in state gaming by opening the first high-stakes bingo hall in the US called Seminole Classic Casino. In the 1990s, they expanded into casino-type gaming by invoking tribal sovereignty through the IGRA (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act).

With the change of the law in Florida in 2003, poker became the dominant gaming activity in the state. Fast forward to this day, the Seminole Tribe operates seven casinos across the state. They also host world-class poker tournaments like the World Poker Tour (WPT) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood.

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Seminole Casinos as a Catalyst for Florida’s Poker Scene

The Seminole Tribe’s casinos notably influence Florida’s poker gaming market. The availability of various poker versions in these casinos further entices several casual and professional players. Hosting championship-level tournament events is an additional attraction among the residents.

The Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open offers millions of guaranteed prize pools, marking Florida’s status as a poker hot spot. The tribe is popular for operating high-quality facilities and providing unmatched services. Hence, it’s one of the key factors that boomed poker tourism in Florida.

How Does Poker Revenue Through Native Tribal Casinos Impact Florida’s Economy?

Seminole casinos are one of the prime sources of Florida’s economy. According to a SunSenital report, the gaming operators of the Seminole Tribe contributed around $4.43 billion to Florida in 2024.

Such massive revenue boosts the state’s job market, with thousands of Florida dealers, managers, and support personnel working in poker rooms. It also leads to financial growth for Florida’s hospitality industry as many tourists visit these tribal casinos to enjoy poker gaming legally.

Besides, the revenue-sharing agreements between the Seminole Tribe and the state facilitate billions for various public services, including education, infrastructure, and health.

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It’s fair to say the Sunshine State enjoys various economic benefits through tribal poker room facilities.

Competition Between Online and In-Person Poker in Florida

The increasing number of online poker rooms creates opportunities and challenges for Florida’s tribal poker segment. The poker landscape remains in the good graces of straight-down-the-line people with the tribal casinos.

However, technology redefined the expectations of poker lovers. The advent of online platforms targets young generations who want to gamble from the comfort of their couches.

Live poker maintains the ambiance of an in-person social aspect of poker rooms. The adrenaline rush of a live tournament provides a nearly similar experience to online players. The online gambling room also allows you to choose from various poker styles. Plus, there are lucrative bonuses that offer extra credits to players to play more.

The Challenges of Maintaining a Thriving Poker Ecosystem

There are also a couple of challenges faced by Seminole casino operators. Let’s check them out.

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• Competition from Neighboring States: Since other states also have relaxed tribal gambling rules, Florida has to innovate in its poker market to remain competitive. That’s the only way to lure attention away from potential tourists and players.

• Technological Adaptation: With the rising popularity of online platforms, Florida must find a way to adopt innovative trends.

Thus, competition is cut-throat, and the Seminole tribe has to follow suit to maintain the market hold.

Exploring the Best Online Poker Sites in Florida 

If Floridians want to try online poker, they can sign up on regulated offshore casino sites. Here are the best online poker sites Florida residents can visit.

Bovada Casino

Known for its user-centric interface, Bovada Casino offers various poker options, such as Texas Hold ’em and Omaha. It also hosts low-stake tables, which make it popular with casual players.

Ignition Casino

This site offers low-buy-in games that cater specifically to newbies. For instance, players can use “Zone Poker” to fold and immediately switch to a new one. Moreover, there’s a generous welcome bonus to claim free credits.

ACR Poker

A one-stop destination to participate in high-stakes tournaments with larger prize pools for experienced players. You can also download its mobile app to play poker on the go.

Juicy Stakes

Launched in 2013, it’s another excellent option for Floridian poker buffs. You’ll receive an exclusive poker bonus on this site. This online casino site also accepts payments via cryptocurrencies.

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FAQs

1. What role does the Seminole Tribe play in Florida’s poker industry?

The Seminole Tribe legally operates various casinos and poker rooms in the state. They also organize high-stakes tournaments that add enormous funds to the state’s taxes. These revenues amount to billions yearly from the overall gaming operations on the Tribe’s land.

2. Is online poker legal in Florida?

No state-regulated online poker platforms exist in Florida. However, residents can access offshore sites that follow the regulations of the operating jurisdiction.

3. Which are the famous Seminole Tribe’s casinos?

You can visit Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Seminole Classic Casino, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek.

Final Words

The casinos under the Seminole Tribe of Florida became the backbone of the poker market. From locals to tourists, everyone visits these casino floors to play this classic table game. Thus, the tribe’s in-person poker rooms significantly improved Florida’s economic revenue.