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Monica Shafaq, former CEO of mental health charity The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, joins gambling addiction charity Gordon Moody as new CEO

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2 years ago

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Gordon Moody, the UK’s leading charity dedicated to providing support and treatment for those suffering from severe gambling harm, is delighted to announce the appointment of Monica Shafaq as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Following an extensive and thorough recruitment process conducted by our board of trustees over recent months, Monica Shafaq will take the helm from January 2024.

Monica brings 13 years’ experience in the charity sector and joins Gordon Moody from The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, a leading charitable organisation focused on mental health and wellbeing, where she has served as CEO since 2010.

Her wealth of experience and dedication to the betterment of individuals’ lives align perfectly with Gordon Moody’s mission. During her time in her previous role, Monica implemented the charity’s rebrand from Sandwell Mind into The Kaleidoscope Plus Group and retained a place on the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies to Work for every year since 2015.

Monica will succeed interim CEO Matthew Hickey, who will continue to support the leadership team at Gordon Moody until the end of the year, ensuring a seamless transition until Monica officially assumes her role in early 2024.

During Matthew’s tenure, Gordon Moody has grown its treatment capacity from 120 to 270 a year; increasing the visibility of the organisation at a national level. He oversaw the opening of the UK’s first women-only residential treatment centre in 2021 and has paved the way for a new West Midlands-based treatment facility due to open in 2024, which will increase the number of bed spaces to 350.

Gordon Moody figures* reveal that applications for their treatment were up 43% last year (from 619 to 885), showing a positive narrative in people seeking help. But there’s still a long way to go as GambleAware has recently identified the true figure for those at risk of gambling harm as significantly more than the industry has previously suggested, and may be as high as 1.5 million.

Commenting on her appointment, Monica said: “It is a huge privilege to have been appointed the new CEO of Gordon Moody. It’s an honour to lead an organisation that is committed to making a positive impact to the lives of those affected by gambling harm and to work with the remarkable team of passionate individuals. Together, we will work tirelessly to raise awareness, provide support, and a path to recovery. I am excited to collaborate with existing partners and stakeholders as well as forging new relationships to drive meaningful change.

“I am leaving The Kaleidoscope Plus Group with a heavy heart but filled with pride for what the team has achieved over the past 13 years. We have done some extraordinary work together fighting for mental health equality and I know that we will remain strong allies going forward.”

Gordon Moody trustee, Claire Arnold, said: “We are delighted to welcome Monica to the Gordon Moody team as our new Chief Executive Officer and we would also like to express our sincere thanks to our departing CEO, Matthew Hickey, who has worked tirelessly to advance our cause over the past four years.

“Monica brings a wealth of experience from her work in the charity sector, most recently from The Kaleidoscope Plus Group and her energy for achieving social change will be a huge asset to Gordon Moody.

“We look forward to the new era of leadership under Monica Shafaq’s guidance and are confident that her expertise will contribute significantly to our mission of addressing gambling harm and its profound impact on individuals and families.”

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Conferences in Europe

Altenar Steps in as General Sponsor of EEGS 2025

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10 hours ago

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April 24, 2025

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The prestigious Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) is set to welcome Altenar, a prominent sports betting software provider, as a General Sponsor for its 2025 edition. Scheduled for 26th and 27th November at the IEC in Sofia, Bulgaria, this partnership exemplifies Altenar’s unwavering commitment to driving innovation and growth within the gaming and entertainment sectors. This long-standing collaboration has consistently generated mutual benefits and opportunities for both Altenar and the event, as well as for all participants involved.

Altenar continues to deliver top-tier solutions for licensed operators across the globe. From standalone sportsbook offerings to comprehensive turnkey solutions, Altenar combines proven reliability with tailored services to meet diverse client needs.

Since its inception in 2011, Altenar has powered hundreds of online sports betting platforms, while their self-service betting terminals and mobile applications adapt to the evolving demands of operators, leading to a rapidly expanding client portfolio in over 30 countries.

Altenar’s involvement as a sponsor underscores their essential contribution to the overall success of the EEGS, emphasizing a collective dedication to excellence and advancement in the industry. This year’s event promises to be a critical platform for industry leaders, visionaries, and entrepreneurs to discover and discuss the latest trends in gaming, entertainment, and hospitality.

As the foremost conference in the region, the Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) offers an engaging setting for industry pioneers to network, collaborate, and delve into the opportunities shaping the future of gaming and entertainment.

Align your company with this esteemed conference and take advantage of the insights and expertise shared at the event.

Check the available sponsorship options here.

The post Altenar Steps in as General Sponsor of EEGS 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Tachi Palace Casino trusts Continent 8 to bolster its cybersecurity through advanced managed SOC and SIEM solutions

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11 hours ago

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April 24, 2025

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Tachi-Yokut Tribe of Santa Rosa Rancheria-owned and operated casino now equipped with world-leading 24/7/365 monitoring, proactive threat prevention and rapid response capabilities to safeguard its tribal gaming operations

Continent 8 Technologies, the leading provider of managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity solutions for the tribal gaming industry, is pleased to announce a new cybersecurity agreement with Tachi Palace Casino Resort to oversee and optimize their Security Operations Center (SOC) and Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) cybersecurity operations.

In collaboration with Continent 8 and its cybersecurity division, C8 Secure, Tachi Palace Casino Resort will implement their managed SOC and SIEM services. The customer will gain instant access to a comprehensive SOC and SIEM solution featuring round-the-clock monitoring, sophisticated threat detection to pinpoint anomalies and potential risks, integrated threat intelligence to anticipate evolving threats and an advanced SIEM architecture designed for high-performance analytics and streamlined incident management.

Patrick Gardner, Chief Security Officer at Continent 8 said: “We are honored that Tachi Palace Casino Resort selected Continent 8 through a rigorous selection process as their trusted Managed Security Operations Center partner. As a leading Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) specializing in the gaming industry, we have deep insight into the unique cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities facing our customers today. Tachi Palace Casino Resort’s proactive commitment to safeguarding their infrastructure demonstrates exceptional leadership and a clear understanding that robust, continuous security is vital for protecting their customers, data and gaming operations.”

Jerad Swimmer, Regional Sales Director at Continent 8 added: “It’s inspiring to see an increasing number of tribal gaming and casino organizations such as Tachi Palace Casino Resort making cybersecurity a core component of their strategic initiatives and organizational culture.

“We are delighted to support Tachi Palace Casino Resort as their trusted MSSP, ensuring a secure and strategic cybersecurity journey.”

David Clark, Information System Director at Tachi Palace Casino Resort said: “I am looking forward to our new partnership with Continent 8 and what the future brings for us.”

The post Tachi Palace Casino trusts Continent 8 to bolster its cybersecurity through advanced managed SOC and SIEM solutions appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Discover What’s Next in France’s Gambling Industry at the iGaming Exchange Virtual Meetup on April 30

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12 hours ago

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April 24, 2025

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HIPTHER, the global connector of thought leaders and innovators in the gaming industry, is proud to announce the next edition of the iGaming Exchange Virtual Meetup, taking place on April 30, 2025, at 10:00 CET. This highly anticipated session will focus on the evolving landscape of France’s gambling sector and feature an exclusive insight session with Claire, a leading voice on French gaming regulation.

Spotlight on France: A Key Market in Transformation

France’s gambling industry has entered a pivotal phase in 2025. Following the latest developments outlined in this recent article, significant changes are taking shape:

  • Regulatory Expansion: The French government has extended the operation of Paris gaming clubs through 2027 under the 2025 Finance Act, signaling confidence in a well-regulated urban gambling environment.

  • Innovative Betting Models: The introduction of a new form of pari-mutuel betting on horse races, approved by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, reflects a shift toward more dynamic and diversified wagering options.

  • New Governance Horizons: The mandate of ANJ President Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin has been extended until 2027, ensuring regulatory stability during a time of change and expansion.

Meet Claire Pinson-Bessonnet – Founding partner at CPB Avocats France – Your Guide to French Gambling Regulations

This session’s keynote will be delivered by Claire Pinson-Bessonnet – Founding partner at CPB Avocats France, an expert analyst in French gambling law and policy. Claire will provide attendees with:

  • Context on the Finance Act and what it means for operators;

  • A breakdown of the regulatory environment and compliance updates;

  • Opportunities and challenges ahead for domestic and international stakeholders.

Why You Should Attend

Whether you’re a gambling operator, regulatory professional, affiliate, or investor, this session offers:

  • Expert commentary on real-time developments;

  • Actionable insights for strategic growth in the French market.

Event Details

  • Event: iGaming Exchange – Focus on France

  • Date: April 30, 2025

  • Time: 10:00 CET

  • Location: Online (Virtual Meetup) – Streamed live on LinkedIn and YouTube

  • Hosted by: HIPTHER

👉 Register Today!

Reserve your virtual spot now to stay at the forefront of the European gaming conversation: https://www.linkedin.com/events/igamingexchange-virtualmeetupby7288574026942222338/theater/

The post Discover What’s Next in France’s Gambling Industry at the iGaming Exchange Virtual Meetup on April 30 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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