SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
“We need to be able to look ourselves in the eye and say we did everything we could,” explained William Hill CEO Ulrik Bengtsson, as he contemplated the importance of social responsibility and player protection across the betting and gaming industry.
This exclusive interview with Bengtsson opens the second edition of SBC Leaders for 2021, where he shares his views on affiliate licensing, the regulation of the Swedish market and why competition among operators can help deter players from forays into the black market.
Bengtsson isn’t the only leader to delve into the topic of regulation, as Microgame CEO Marco Castaldo reflects on the journey through COVID-19 for the Italian betting industry, and the huge opportunities presented for online growth.
His missive also warns us that alongside that growth there is a worrying tendency among politicians in the country who appear nostalgic about a “see-no-evil” past where gambling is hidden away, out of sight and, unfortunately, out of control.
Sticking with the Italian market, we give a breakdown of the country’s advertising regulations, discussing how betting companies have been forced to undertake fresh, creative strategies to marketing since the blanket ban came in prohibiting all sports clubs and leagues from promoting gambling-related brands.
Scot McClintic, SVP iGaming Product & Strategy at Paysafe, is another to pick up on pandemic-induced changes as he looks at its impact on the US sports betting industry.
Meanwhile, as we pass one year of lockdowns around the world, Scott Morgan – founder and CEO of Crypto Integrity Tao – believes that the pandemic has forced global economies to open their eyes to the potential of cryptocurrencies.
Another notable development over the last 12 months is that of a responsible gaming nature, with the lowering of stakes in the slots ecosystem one crucial talking point for Push Gaming’s James Marshall and Tom Horn Gaming’s Ondrej Lapides.
Rounding off this edition of SBC Leaders is a round-up of the latest developments on the new National Lottery and the launch of an exciting new SBC Leaders podcast series.
The new issue of SBC Leaders is available to download or read online HERE.
