Our Leaders Making a Global Impact: Dave Phillips Appointed Vice-President of the International Association of Gaming Regulators
Dave Phillips has been appointed as the Vice-President of the International Association of Gaming Regulators.
Editor’s highlights
The Irish government notified the European Commission of plans to establish a mandatory Social Impact Fund requiring annual contributions from licensed gambling operators starting 1 April 2027 [1].
The National Police Board of Finland granted gambling licences to operators 711 and Play North ahead of the launch of Finland's regulated market [2].
The UK Gambling Commission expanded its enforcement strategy against unlicensed operators to directly target their money, assets, and financial infrastructure [3].
Brazil’s Supreme Court is preparing to resume legal proceedings examining the constitutionality of the nation's historic betting ban [5].
People & Careers
Donald Trump Jr. ends advisory role with Kalshi after VC firm doubles down on Polymarket
Donald Trump Jr. and prediction market operator Kalshi have mutually agreed to conclude his advisory role with the platform. The decision comes after a venture capital firm tied to the relationship increased its investment in competing platform Polymarket.
Aristocrat CEO Trevor Croker to retire in April; Dafne Guisard named successor
Aristocrat CEO Trevor Croker has announced plans to retire from the company in April after spearheading its expansion into a leading global supplier. Dafne Guisard has been appointed as his successor to lead the gaming giant.
Ex-Entain COO takes the top job at Aristocrat Leisure
Aristocrat Leisure has named former Entain Chief Operating Officer Dafne Guisard as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective April 2027. Guisard will step into the top role from her current position as Aristocrat's Chief Commercial Officer for Europe, the Middle East, and Asia (EMMA).
Trevor Croker to retire as CEO of Aristocrat in April 2027
Aristocrat Leisure has confirmed that CEO and Managing Director Trevor Croker will retire from his leadership role in April 2027. Following an extensive evaluation of internal and external candidates, the board has designated Dafne Guisard as CEO-elect.
Former Nevada Lt-Governor ascends to IAGR Presidency
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has appointed former Nevada Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolick as its new President. Krolick succeeds Ben Haden, Director of Research and Statistics at the UK Gambling Commission, shifting the organization's leadership focus.
Aristocrat names ex-Entain COO Dafne Guisard as CEO as Interactive profit falls 6.2%
Aristocrat Leisure has appointed former Entain COO Dafne Guisard to succeed Trevor Croker as Chief Executive Officer in April 2027. Guisard originally joined the supplier in February to lead its European operations from London. The executive transition coincides with financial results showing a 6.2% decline in segment profit for the company's Interactive division, despite an increase in revenue.
CEO Leadership Transition
Aristocrat has announced an executive transition plan regarding its Chief Executive Officer position.
MGM National Harbor appoints Chris Gumiela as president and COO
MGM National Harbor has appointed Chris Gumiela as its new president and chief operating officer, succeeding Melonie Johnson following her retirement. In this role, Gumiela will oversee the property's daily operations and strategic direction, with a focus on community relations and workforce engagement.
Allwyn UK restructures National Lottery leadership to drive growth
Allwyn UK has initiated an executive restructuring of its National Lottery leadership team to accelerate sales growth and increase contributions to good causes. As part of the transition, Chief Technology Officer Mark Smith, Managing Director of Digital Richard Dawkins, and Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Sarah Venning will exit the business.
Encore Boston Harborstrike ends as 1,300 workers approve new contract
A two-month strike at Wynn Resorts' Encore Boston Harbor has concluded after approximately 1,300 workers ratified a new labor contract on November 5. Represented by UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25, the employees had been on strike since September 4 following the expiration of their previous agreement. The labor action had disrupted venue operations and coincided with a downturn in gaming revenue for the property.
Bragg taps COO Morten Tonnesen for chief executive officer as Mazij steps aside
Bragg Gaming Group has promoted Chief Operating Officer Morten Tonnesen to the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective 6 November. Outgoing CEO Matevž Mazij is stepping down from day-to-day management to transition into a strategic adviser role for the company.
Bragg Gaming Group announces leadership transition
Bragg Gaming Group has named Chief Operating Officer Morten Tonnesen as its Interim Chief Executive Officer. Matevž Mazij will step down from the chief executive post to immediately transition into a new role as Strategic Advisor.
Bragg’s Mazij exits as CEO a week before Q3 results as Tonnesen takes interim role
Matevž Mazij has stepped down as chief executive of Bragg Gaming Group just a week prior to the release of its third-quarter financial results. Chief operating officer Morten Tonnesen has been appointed to serve as interim CEO. The leadership change comes several months after shareholders voted Mazij off the board, as the supplier faces declining revenue and widening losses.
Scientific Games appoints Dan Flynn Chief Executive Officer
Scientific Games has appointed Dan Flynn as its Chief Executive Officer, effective 2 November. Flynn brings more than 30 years of enterprise technology and operational leadership experience to the position, while interim CEO Kevin Schneider has been named Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Light & Wonder appoints Matthieu Labbat as CEO of SciPlay
Light & Wonder has appointed Matthieu Labbat as Chief Executive Officer of its social casino division, SciPlay, effective November 4, 2026. Labbat brings nearly 13 years of executive experience in building and scaling mobile games to the position.
New leadership and responsibilities announced at Allwyn UK
Allwyn UK has announced a major restructuring of its leadership team, placing a primary focus on how it oversees technology operations. The management overhaul coincides with an executive transition in the company's Chief Executive Officer role.
GiG CFO Phil Richards steps down after two and a half years
Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) Chief Financial Officer Phil Richards has stepped down from his position after two and a half years with the company. During his tenure, Richards oversaw key corporate milestones, including the group's major stake acquisition in 888Africa.
GiG CFO departs just days after release of Q3 results
GiG Software Chief Financial Officer Phil Richards has stepped down from his position shortly after the company released its Q3 2026 financial results. Richards, who took on the CFO role in July 2024, oversaw the company during its public listing.
Hungary FM hijacks CEO appointment of Szerencsejáték Zrt
Hungarian Finance Minister András Kármán has hijacked the CEO appointment process at state-owned operator Szerencsejáték Zrt, naming Zoltán Sólyom as the group's new leader. Announced via social media, the appointment is pending official publication in the government gazette. Sólyom fills the vacancy left by former CEO Zoltán Guller, who was recently dismissed by the minister.
BC Game appoints Ali “Ako” Muhanned as new CEO
BC Game has appointed Ali “Ako” Muhanned as its new Chief Executive Officer. Muhanned, who previously managed the operator's international partnerships and brand strategy, will focus on driving international expansion, platform enhancements, and player trust.
BC.Game introduces Ali �Ako� Muhanned as CEO
BC.Game has appointed Ali "Ako" Muhanned as its new Chief Executive Officer to steer the company's next growth phase. In his new role, Muhanned will focus on international expansion, enhancing the platform's user experience, and strengthening player trust.
Polymarket fires chief marketing officer amid promotional practices investigation
Prediction market operator Polymarket has terminated its chief marketing officer following an internal investigation into the company's promotional practices. The dismissal follows a Wall Street Journal report revealing the use of staged betting videos produced without transparent disclosures.
Casinos Austria CEO Erwin van Lambaart to step down in March 2027
Casinos Austria CEO Erwin van Lambaart will step down from his role when his contract concludes in March 2027. Current board member Andreas Bierwirth, who joined the company's board in October 2025, has been designated as his successor. Bierwirth brings executive background from previous management roles at Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and Magenta Telekom.
Casinos Austria confirms Andreas Bierwirth will be its new CEO
Casinos Austria has confirmed that Andreas Bierwirth will succeed Erwin van Lambaart as CEO of both Casinos Austria AG and Österreichische Lotterien GesmbH. The appointment follows Van Lambaart's decision not to seek an extension to his five-year contract, which concludes in March 2027.
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