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Julie Harrington to Step Down as BHA Chief Executive at the End of 2024

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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.

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Win Systems will showcase its latest innovations at G2E Las Vegas 2025

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Win Systems will once again be present at Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Las Vegas 2025, one of the most important events in the industry worldwide. The expo will take place from October 7 to 9 at The Venetian Expo and Win Systems will welcome all its clients at booth #2050.

During the event, the company will showcase multiple innovations across its different business lines, specially developed and adapted to the needs of each market. Within the Systems division, Win Systems will present innovations designed for both casinos and the route market, as well as an important new development in its Electronic Payment Solutions Business Unit.

In addition, the company will unveil new models of roulette, slots, and games that promise to impress operators and players alike, consolidating its position as a leader in innovation and entertainment experiences.

“G2E Las Vegas is the ideal stage to showcase our latest innovations and the result of months of work and development. This year we arrive with proposals designed to meet the challenges and opportunities of each market, always maintaining our mission to continue driving the future of Gaming,” said Eric Benchimol, CEO of Win Systems.

Win Systems invites all industry professionals to visit its booth to experience its latest launches firsthand and see how its comprehensive solutions continue to set trends in the sector.

For more information about Win Systems and its cutting-edge gaming solutions, visit winsysgroup.com

 

The post Win Systems will showcase its latest innovations at G2E Las Vegas 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Amanda Slonzon VP of Compliance and Regulatory Strategy at RubyPlay

RubyPlay’s US Playbook – Turning compliance into a growth engine

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After securing entry into its second US state, and with a third firmly in sight, RubyPlay is sharpening its compliance strategy to balance speed with precision. Amanda Slonzon, VP of Compliance and Regulatory Strategy, explains how the company’s US Playbook is helping to turn regulation into a growth engine, from leveraging New Jersey as a benchmark, to preparing for Pennsylvania’s unique challenges, and building trust-based relationships with regulators and partners across the industry.

When people think about compliance in the US iGaming industry, they often imagine it as the handbrake that slows expansion and stifles innovation. For me, it is the opposite as compliance sits in the driver’s seat. It is not simply a support function but a product in itself that enables us to grow faster, enter new markets with confidence and strengthen our relationships across the industry.

The US online casino market is both highly promising and highly fragmented. Only seven states currently regulate iGaming and each has its own framework. Navigating this landscape requires a deep understanding of both the common threads between states and the subtle differences that can make or break a market entry.

This is why we have developed a US Playbook at RubyPlay, which is a detailed, in-house framework for understanding and applying state-by-state requirements in a way that is tailored to our products and infrastructure. With it, our compliance and regulatory specialists break down each regulation, interpret it in the context of our business, and share that knowledge across the company.

 

Market comparisons

New Jersey will always be the starting point for most operators and suppliers entering the US. It was the pioneer of state-level regulation and, in many ways, still sets the standard for others to follow. Meeting New Jersey’s requirements ensures a company is well-prepared for other states, many of which recognise its certifications. Delaware, for example, places direct reliance on New Jersey approvals, a pragmatic approach that can streamline entry for those already licensed in the Garden state. But even with these efficiencies, each state demands its own level of preparation and adaptation.

Regulators in the US take compliance very seriously and ensure that every technical aspect of a business meets their requirements. Unlike some EU markets, where providers may not need a B2B license, every US state requires B2B licensing through a thorough, state-specific process. While major shifts are rare, when they occur they can significantly impact the industry. Right now, sweepstakes is the most talked-about development, and with New Jersey’s Governor having recently signed the ban into law, we are seeing a wave of prohibition that will have a major impact across the industry. Our role is to remain attentive, follow changes daily, and ensure we stay as compliant as we intend to be.

Every state also has its own technical standards, licensing requirements, tax structures, and approaches to product approval. For example, Pennsylvania applies the highest tax rate on operators in the country yet remains one of the most attractive among operators. It also has a deeply ingrained gaming culture and a large, active player base. Entering a state like Pennsylvania, which is a key target for RubyPlay in 2026, is not just about passing compliance checks but more about understanding the regulator’s expectations, the market’s economic realities and the cultural context of its players.

 

Fostering close relationships

One of the most important aspects of operating in the US is the strength of relationships with key stakeholders across the entire ecosystem. I have always believed that a strong relationship with the regulator is just as critical as meeting their requirements on paper. We work to ensure that regulators see us as partners who bring solutions, not problems. We communicate openly and demonstrate that we take their rules as seriously as they do. The same process applies to how we work alongside our industry partners. From platform providers or operator customer, we approach every partnership as a collaborative effort to succeed together.

Culture plays a vital role in how we approach regulation. Compliance is considered a technical discipline, but ultimately it is powered by people who care about getting processes and frameworks robust. I am proud to lead a team that is collaborative and solution-oriented. One of my proudest moments recently came during a recruitment process where I was speaking with a candidate for a role within our compliance team. She told me she had been following RubyPlay closely and was so impressed by our company culture, the pride we take in our work and the way we treat our people, that she was willing to relocate to another country just to join the team. It is a real story that speaks to the environment we have built.

Regulation in the US is not going to advance overnight. The state-by-state approach will remain and evolve, and new product categories will emerge that challenge existing frameworks. My perspective is that the companies who thrive will be the ones who embrace this complexity, invest in understanding it deeply, and treat compliance as a strategic asset rather than an operational hurdle.

The US Playbook we have developed is our way of making that happen. It is an ever-evolving strategy that keeps us compliant, competitive and ready for whatever comes next.

The post RubyPlay’s US Playbook – Turning compliance into a growth engine appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Aviatrix

Aviatrix partners with TQJ and joins the Bet do Milhão portfolio

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The popular crash game Aviatrix has entered a strategic partnership with Brazilian operator Todos Querem Jogar (TQJ) to bring the hit title to the recently launched brand Bet do Milhão.

TQJ is a Brazil-licensed operator and an investee company of the Silvio Santos Group, one of the country’s largest media conglomerates. Its first brand, Bet do Milhão, is inspired by Show do Milhão, the iconic Brazilian TV game show, and debuts with a full portfolio of sports betting and online gaming, with a strong focus on innovation, security, and responsible play.

Through the partnership, Bet do Milhão players will now enjoy the full Aviatrix experience, including one of the most dynamic and engaging crash game mechanics in the world.

Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “This partnership with TQJ and Bet do Milhão is a perfect fit. Aviatrix is about delivering exciting and intuitive gameplay, which aligns perfectly with the Bet do Milhão concept. This is another key milestone in establishing Aviatrix as one of the most popular online casino games in Brazil.”

Leonardo Sampaio, Chief Operating Officer at Todos Querem Jogar, added: “We want to combine the Brazilian way of having fun with the very best in technology and content available in the market. That’s why bringing Aviatrix to our new brand was a priority. We are excited to build a long-term relationship with the team and are confident the game will be hugely successful with our players.”

Aviatrix has been rapidly expanding in Brazil in recent months. In April 2025, the game received full federal certification to operate via licensed operators nationwide, as well as a dedicated certification for the state of Paraná.

The post Aviatrix partners with TQJ and joins the Bet do Milhão portfolio appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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