Latest News
Julie Harrington to Step Down as BHA Chief Executive at the End of 2024
Julie Harrington has announced that she will leave her job as Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) at the end of the year after four years in the role.
Julie has overseen significant changes to the BHA and British Horseracing including a new governance structure, achieving cross-industry support for the sport’s long-term Industry Strategy and setting its underpinning architecture securely in place, structural and operational changes at the BHA itself, work on a new People Strategy with the introduction of the Horseracing Industry People Board, and a renewed focus on improving commercial opportunities.
Commenting on her decision to step down, Julie said: “With so much now in place to develop and grow the Industry Strategy, which will secure a brighter future for British horseracing, it felt like the right time to move on and let someone else steer the sport through its next exciting phase.
“It has been a huge privilege to lead the BHA during what has been a period of real change as the sport has developed and implemented shared strategies for a sustainable future, and an ability to speak with one united voice.
“I love working in horseracing, it is an amazing sport to be involved in. I will always be a fan and you can expect to see me at the races in the years ahead. I am proud of the progress the industry has made over the past three years, especially in improving the governance structure, and I hope that racing’s stakeholders will continue to work together cooperatively to attract new audiences, further improve the customer experience and grow the sport.
“I am confident that if the sport continues to foster the sense of unity and shared purpose that we have developed over the past few years then great things can be achieved.
“My future plans are likely to include a move to a varied non-executive career. Although I took the decision to stand down some time ago, I have agreed to stay on until the end of year to allow a smooth transition to a new CEO.
“The BHA Board is already engaged in the search for Joe’s successor as Chair and informing the Board of my intentions now gives the nominations committee the opportunity to plan an orderly handover, consider the complementary skills of candidates and allow the new Chair to be part of the final stages of CEO recruitment.
“British Horseracing is one of the cornerstones of our sporting and cultural heritage. I will be forever thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it, both during my tenures at Northern Racing, on the BHA Board and most recently as CEO of the BHA. I wish it every success in the years to come.”
Joe Saumarez Smith will step down as Chair of the BHA at the end of May 2025 and the recruitment process for his replacement commenced last month.
Joe Saumarez Smith said: “Julie has been a fantastic chief executive for the BHA and has done a huge amount for the industry since her appointment. We have been lucky to have her in charge and she will be difficult to replace. I am grateful she has agreed to stay on to the end of the year to allow us to recruit her replacement and to ensure a smooth transition.
“During Julie’s tenure we have completely changed the governance of the sport and the BHA’s role within it. Her influencing skills, often behind-the-scenes, have been key to that change and also in the positive adjustments made to the Gambling Act White Paper that posed such a threat to our sport.
“Four years at the top of any sport demands total focus, concentration and enormous amounts of energy and Julie has delivered all of these, in what at times has been a challenging stakeholder and political environment. I, and the BHA Board, fully understand why she has taken this decision now and wish her every success in her future roles.”
Julie also paid tribute to her executive team and the BHA staff, stating: “We have a hugely talented and passionate team at the BHA. From the executive leadership team, those working day in, day out on course or from our new smaller HQ in Holborn Gate, it really is a team effort. It is a team that has undergone a great deal of change in the past few years and one that is dedicated to delivering for our sport. With a busy period ahead, the whole BHA will remain focused on delivering a great service.”
The post Julie Harrington to Step Down as BHA Chief Executive at the End of 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
BMM Testlabs
BMM Testlabs Earns Accreditation in Maranhão, Brazil To Test Fixed Odds Betting Systems and Lottery Platforms
BMM Testlabs, the world’s original gaming test lab renowned for exceptional product compliance and testing services, today announced its official accreditation to test systems and games for the Brazilian state of Maranhão.
This new accreditation allows BMM Testlabs to test fixed-odds betting systems and lottery platforms for the Maranhão market. The Company is now authorized in every Brazilian jurisdiction that has regulated at state-level online fixed-odds betting.
The Maranhão accreditation, issued by Maranhão Parcerias SA (MAPA/LOTEMA), authorizes BMM Testlabs to work with lottery operators in the state to ensure compliance and quality standards for the gaming and lottery industry through end-to-end product compliance testing for Maranhão’s standards.
Additionally, Brazil’s Secretaria de Prêmios e Apostas has federally authorized BMM Testlabs to test betting systems, live gaming studios, and online games used by fixed-odds betting operators.
BMM Testlabs’ Marzia Turrini, President of iGaming & Cybersecurity, said, “We are excited and deeply honored that the State of Maranhão’s official lottery has entrusted BMM Testlabs with the responsibility of testing products for their new online fixed odds betting program, knowing that we’ll do so with the highest levels of impartiality, technical expertise, transparency, efficiency, and, most of all, integrity.”
With the Maranhão accreditation, BMM Testlabs solidifies its position as the leading independent test lab in Brazil. BMM Testlabs is accredited in all jurisdictions that have authorized fixed-odds betting for online gaming and sports betting.
BMM Testlabs brings 44 years of global leadership in product compliance across regulated markets and is trusted by games, systems, and lottery manufacturers, suppliers, developers, and regulators worldwide.
In addition to product compliance testing, BMM Testlabs provides end-to-end cybersecurity protection solutions. Through its sister company, RG24seven Virtual Training, BMM also offers compliance-grade virtual training on responsible gaming, anti-money laundering, and other important topics – presented by industry experts and available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
The post BMM Testlabs Earns Accreditation in Maranhão, Brazil To Test Fixed Odds Betting Systems and Lottery Platforms appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Conferences
Meridianbet CEO Showcases GMGI’s $163M FY2024 Revenue, USA & Brazil Entry at ICR 2025 Conference
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
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
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.
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).
“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.
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.
BMM Testlabs Earns Accreditation in Maranhão, Brazil To Test Fixed Odds Betting Systems and Lottery Platforms
Meridianbet CEO Showcases GMGI’s $163M FY2024 Revenue, USA & Brazil Entry at ICR 2025 Conference
Shaping the Future of Esports: ICE Esports Arena provides essential insights
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