2011 Speakers
Juan Carlos Alfonso Rubio
Deputy General Director, General Direction for Gambling Regulation, Ministry of Finance, Spain (Representative of the Netherlands)12:30 21/09/11 - Track One: Regulations and taxation – preparing for your move to new markets
15:45 21/09/11 - Comparing regulatory and tax models and sharing best practice in regulating iGaming in global markets to create sustainable industry that serves consumers, states and businesses
[show/hide bio]Juan Carlos Alfonso has been working as Deputy General Director of Gambling since March 2011, being responsible for regulatory matters in the recently established Spanish General Direction of Gambling. Juan Carlos Alfonso is also highly involved with the Establishment and Services Working Group of the Council of the European Union, being the Chairman during the Spanish Presidency. He is a qualified lawyer with experiences and broad knowledge of regulatory matters, having previously worked as Coordination Director for the Spanish Lotteries (LAE) in charge of legal affairs, international legal matters participating in the European Lotteries Executive Committee, as Director for the Legal Affairs Department at CANAL + Spain, as partner at KPMG and also as Secretary of the board and Director of the Legal Department of the Spanish Post Office.
Rory Anderson
CEO, Pacific Sea Invests Europe (12bet.com)16:00 21/09/11 - Transforming your sportsbook into a more cost-efficient and automated operation to take advantage of further advancements in live betting and risk management tools
[show/hide bio]Rory joined 12BET in January 2010 with a remit to grow the European business from scratch. Before joining the company Rory spent the past seven years working in senior marketing roles for EGaming companies such as 888 Holdings, Empire Online and PartyGaming.
Fabio Angeli Bufalini
General Director Italy, Betsson15:00 20/09/11 - Italy in the spotlight – workshop in partnership with Business International
[show/hide bio]Fabio AngeliBufalini – Born in Rome in 1970, has a degree in Economics and Business (University La Sapienza Rome) and a Master in International Finance (University of Pavia).
In the Gaming industry since 2005 before working as a consultant for some Companies on betting online and bingo,then joining Everest Gaming in 2007 and after in January 2008 joiningPokerStars as Italian Country Manager making the start-up of Italian operations and working to let become the company the biggest Italian poker room in 2 years’ time. In the last year he joined PartyGaming as Head of Italy and after the merger with Bwin he joined now Betsson AB group as General Manager Italy.
Prior his gaming experience he worked in London as stock broker and then he held managerial roles within Arthur Andersen as financial risk management consultant, Carlsson Wagonlit as operations manager and Hertz as partnerships and product development manager.
In the Gaming industry since 2005 before working as a consultant for some Companies on betting online and bingo,then joining Everest Gaming in 2007 and after in January 2008 joiningPokerStars as Italian Country Manager making the start-up of Italian operations and working to let become the company the biggest Italian poker room in 2 years’ time. In the last year he joined PartyGaming as Head of Italy and after the merger with Bwin he joined now Betsson AB group as General Manager Italy.
Prior his gaming experience he worked in London as stock broker and then he held managerial roles within Arthur Andersen as financial risk management consultant, Carlsson Wagonlit as operations manager and Hertz as partnerships and product development manager.
Shahar Attias
Founder and CEO, Hybrid Interaction, Israel14:45 21/09/11 - Track Two cont.: Focus on the customer for improved player acquisition and retention
[show/hide bio]Shahar Attias, the Founder and CEO of Hybrid Interaction Ltd., is a globally recognized Retention & Loyalty expert, and a frequent speaker at iGaming Conferences (iGaming360, iCE, IGamingAsia, Super-Show, etc.). Since 2007, Hybrid Interaction has grown into the industry’s leading iGaming CRM Consultancy, with a portfolio including: bwin.party, Playtech, Win2Day, Casino Club, Viaden, Play65, eToro, Grand Duke and more.
Jens Bader
Chief Commercial Officer, paysafecard.com16:45 21/09/11 - Payments in regulated and regulating markets
[show/hide bio]Jens has more than 12 years of experience in the Online and Mobile Payments industry.
At Paysafecard he leads the global Partner Management Team that oversees all commercial merchant relationships across 29 countries.
Before joining Paysafecard in 2010, Jens was holding various roles at Neteller (NKA Optimal Payments), a leading e-wallet operating in 180+ countries. Previously he held positions with GlobalCollect BV, Encorus Technologies (a First Data entity) and worked for a number of innovative payment start-ups.
Having worked for different payments organisations in varying geographic regions, Jens is widely recognized as an authority in the traditional and alternative e-payments industry.
Jens holds a degree in International Business Management.
At Paysafecard he leads the global Partner Management Team that oversees all commercial merchant relationships across 29 countries.
Before joining Paysafecard in 2010, Jens was holding various roles at Neteller (NKA Optimal Payments), a leading e-wallet operating in 180+ countries. Previously he held positions with GlobalCollect BV, Encorus Technologies (a First Data entity) and worked for a number of innovative payment start-ups.
Having worked for different payments organisations in varying geographic regions, Jens is widely recognized as an authority in the traditional and alternative e-payments industry.
Jens holds a degree in International Business Management.
Gianluca Ballocci
Interactive Vice President, Lottomatica14:45 21/09/11 - Track Two cont.: Focus on the customer for improved player acquisition and retention
15:00 20/09/11 - Italy in the spotlight – workshop in partnership with Business International
[show/hide bio]Gianluca Ballocci was born in Milan on 20th September 1959. He is married and has a daughter.
After graduating in mechanical engineering from the Politecnico di Milano in 1985, Gianluca commenced his professional career with IBM, working in both technical and commercial roles. Due to the changing nature of the IT market in late eighties, Gianluca moved into consultancy, heading the Italian IBM retail consultancy team.
In 1994 he joined ACNielsen, a leading market research company, as head of the micromarketing BU. This was one of the first organizations in Italy to offer marketing services and analysis using geomarketing tools and techniques. The BU became leader in supporting sales force and retail development plans for some of the world’s top companies.
During 2001 Gianluca joined Seat Pagine Gialle as head of commercial planning, managing over 100 employees and supporting over 2.000 sales reps. These were structured into various operating units including Targeting & Planning, Commision, Reporting, Budget & Control, Sales Reps Help Desk, and Sales Force Automation.
Since 2004 GianLuca has worked for Lottomatica. On joining the company, as Direttore Consorzio Giochi Sportivi , he was responsible for a retail network over 6.000 stores selling two traditional Italian games, Totocalcio (based on football events) and Tris (based on horse racing) which had over 25% market share. During 2007 he led the team building up a new retail network to sell sports betting games. This network now accounts for over 30% of this market.
Since July 2007 GianLuca has been Director of the Internet BU at Lottomatica. His responsibilities include the design, realization, launch and operational management of gaming products including :
After graduating in mechanical engineering from the Politecnico di Milano in 1985, Gianluca commenced his professional career with IBM, working in both technical and commercial roles. Due to the changing nature of the IT market in late eighties, Gianluca moved into consultancy, heading the Italian IBM retail consultancy team.
In 1994 he joined ACNielsen, a leading market research company, as head of the micromarketing BU. This was one of the first organizations in Italy to offer marketing services and analysis using geomarketing tools and techniques. The BU became leader in supporting sales force and retail development plans for some of the world’s top companies.
During 2001 Gianluca joined Seat Pagine Gialle as head of commercial planning, managing over 100 employees and supporting over 2.000 sales reps. These were structured into various operating units including Targeting & Planning, Commision, Reporting, Budget & Control, Sales Reps Help Desk, and Sales Force Automation.
Since 2004 GianLuca has worked for Lottomatica. On joining the company, as Direttore Consorzio Giochi Sportivi , he was responsible for a retail network over 6.000 stores selling two traditional Italian games, Totocalcio (based on football events) and Tris (based on horse racing) which had over 25% market share. During 2007 he led the team building up a new retail network to sell sports betting games. This network now accounts for over 30% of this market.
Since July 2007 GianLuca has been Director of the Internet BU at Lottomatica. His responsibilities include the design, realization, launch and operational management of gaming products including :
- Sports Betting (Better)
- Poker (PokerClub)
- Skill Games (SkillClub)
- Bingo (BingoClub)
- Casino Games (VegasClub)
- Lotteries (Gratta & Vinci, Superenalotto, WinForLife)
Barbara Beltrami
Italian Country Manager, PokerStars15:00 20/09/11 - Italy in the spotlight – workshop in partnership with Business International
[show/hide bio]Barbara Beltrami, was born in 1977 and has always lived in Madonna di Campiglio, famous Italian ski resort, where while studying she started working in the marketing and PR of the Ski World Cup stop 3TRE. After graduating in 2002 in foreign languages and communication at the "Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore" of Milan, Barbara spent one year in the US (California) and then she moved to Milan where she worked in Galbani and after this she started working for Gruppo ES, a publishing company producing trade magazines for the retail and ho.re.ca channels and Official Organ of FIPE Confcommercio, as marketing and advertising manager. Here she had the opportunity to follow the growth of the gaming industry in Italy from a regulatory and marketing perspective since 2005. In 2008 she joined Betting Channel a new born Sky channel dedicated to betting and gaming as marketing manager, and after less than one year in December 2008 she started working for PokerStars.it as marketing manager and in Feb 2010 Barbara became Country Manager and actually is still covering this position.
Gianluca Benedetti
Principal, Baker & McKenzie12:30 21/09/11 - Track One: Regulations and taxation – preparing for your move to new markets
15:00 20/09/11 - Italy in the spotlight – workshop in partnership with Business International
[show/hide bio]Gianluca Benedetti is an International Partner of Baker & McKenzie, resident in the Rome office. A Fulbright Scholar, he holds a J.D. with honors from Rome University La Sapienza (1991) and an M.C.J. from New York University (1992). With 20-year experience at international law firms, his practice is mainly focused on M&A and private equity transactions in regulated industries. He is also seasoned in internal and international arbitration acting as lead-counsel and arbitrator.
Mr. Benedetti leads the Italian betting and gaming team, advising on sector specific tax issues, regulatory and licensing, data protection, commercial and IT contracts, labor, antitrust and money laundering, as well as corporate transactions and partnerships in the gaming industry. He is author of several presentations and lectures related to the key areas of practice, including the Baker & McKenzie LBO Country Guide (2009), the EGaming Review Markets Report/Italy (April 2011 Issue), the World Online Gambling Law Report (June 2011 Issue), the lectures at Business International iGaming Forums held in Rome on 25 November 2010 and 16 June 2011, the World Gambling Briefing held in Malta on 12/13 April 2011.
Mr. Benedetti leads the Italian betting and gaming team, advising on sector specific tax issues, regulatory and licensing, data protection, commercial and IT contracts, labor, antitrust and money laundering, as well as corporate transactions and partnerships in the gaming industry. He is author of several presentations and lectures related to the key areas of practice, including the Baker & McKenzie LBO Country Guide (2009), the EGaming Review Markets Report/Italy (April 2011 Issue), the World Online Gambling Law Report (June 2011 Issue), the lectures at Business International iGaming Forums held in Rome on 25 November 2010 and 16 June 2011, the World Gambling Briefing held in Malta on 12/13 April 2011.
Nicolas Beraud
CEO, Betclic Everest Group13:30 20/09/11 - CEO Panel: Global vs. local and niche players – identifying the future’s winners in the newly regulated, consolidating and increasingly localised iGaming market
[show/hide bio]Nicolas Béraud is a French entrepreneur and the founder of BetClic. Today he serves as Chairman of BetClic Everest Group, France’s top privately owned online gaming group, and one of the leaders in this sector worldwide. BetClic Everest Group brings together a unique portfolio of varied and complementary international brands, including Everest Gaming, BetClic and bet-at-home.com. Building the expertise of each of its brands with the aim of continuing to offer sports betting and online gaming sites that deliver maximum enjoyment and pleasure to players, BetClic Everest Group has an ethical approach to its business, seeking at all times to honour its commitment to corporate social responsibility, and ensures a level of customer service on the cutting edge of innovation. Around the world, the Group serves more than 12 million clients in 100 countries and has 1,200 employees based in 25 countries.
Nicolas Béraud was trained as an engineer and is a graduate of the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Electronique, Informatique et Radiocommunication de Bordeaux (ENSEIRB). After a stint at Canal Plus, where he supervised a number of interactive television projects, he pursued his passion for sports by creating Sport4Fun, an online sports betting community site, and in 2005 founded BetClic, which is now France’s leading sports betting site.
Nicolas Béraud was trained as an engineer and is a graduate of the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Electronique, Informatique et Radiocommunication de Bordeaux (ENSEIRB). After a stint at Canal Plus, where he supervised a number of interactive television projects, he pursued his passion for sports by creating Sport4Fun, an online sports betting community site, and in 2005 founded BetClic, which is now France’s leading sports betting site.
Andrew Beveridge
CEO, eCogra, United Kingdom14:45 21/09/11 - Track One cont.:Regulations and taxation-preparing for your move into new markets
[show/hide bio]As CEO of eCOGRA since early 2003, Andrew Beveridge has become a renowned authority in fair and responsible gaming and online player protection. He brings nearly 13 years of experience in various areas of online gaming and betting to the position.
After completing articles and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Beveridge embarked upon a career in merchant banking in London and Hong Kong. His online experience began with MultiChoice, an international supplier of pay-television and interactive services, where he played a major role in the start-up of MWeb, South Africa's largest Internet service provider. Beveridge then led global business development for International Gaming Networks, the MultiChoice division created to develop interactive gaming technology across Internet and digital television platforms. Other responsibilities included the implementation of risk management controls and procedures for South Africa's first licensed online gambling organisation.
Beveridge was responsible as CEO for a software developer which created the world's first integrated online and telephone sports and spread betting platform that has been successfully implemented at various UK, European and South African operations.
In May 2010 Beveridge was appointed Chair of the CEN Workshop Agreement for Responsible Remote Gambling Measures, and initiative involving over 30 participants from trade associations, licensing authorities, operators and experts on gambling behaviour, to develop a set of control measures that will help guide EU regulators and policymakers
Beveridge also has an MBA from Edinburgh University.
After completing articles and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Beveridge embarked upon a career in merchant banking in London and Hong Kong. His online experience began with MultiChoice, an international supplier of pay-television and interactive services, where he played a major role in the start-up of MWeb, South Africa's largest Internet service provider. Beveridge then led global business development for International Gaming Networks, the MultiChoice division created to develop interactive gaming technology across Internet and digital television platforms. Other responsibilities included the implementation of risk management controls and procedures for South Africa's first licensed online gambling organisation.
Beveridge was responsible as CEO for a software developer which created the world's first integrated online and telephone sports and spread betting platform that has been successfully implemented at various UK, European and South African operations.
In May 2010 Beveridge was appointed Chair of the CEN Workshop Agreement for Responsible Remote Gambling Measures, and initiative involving over 30 participants from trade associations, licensing authorities, operators and experts on gambling behaviour, to develop a set of control measures that will help guide EU regulators and policymakers
Beveridge also has an MBA from Edinburgh University.
Henry Birch
CEO, William Hill Online, UK13:30 20/09/11 - CEO Panel: Global vs. local and niche players – identifying the future’s winners in the newly regulated, consolidating and increasingly localised iGaming market
[show/hide bio]Henry is the Chief Executive of William Hill Online. He was previously the Chief Executive of Leisure & Gaming Plc and the Chief Operating Officer of Bettingcorp.
Prior to working in the online gambling industry, Henry had a career in traditional and digital media in the UK and the US.
Prior to working in the online gambling industry, Henry had a career in traditional and digital media in the UK and the US.
Mark Blandford
Chairman, Valhalla Investments (Founder of Sportingbet), UK15:00 20/09/11 - Start-Up LaunchPad
[show/hide bio]Mark was the founder and Director of Sportingbet Plc, an online global sportsbook and casino. He now works as a successful Venture Capital Investor.
Born and educated in Hereford (UK), Mark completed a Business degree specialising in international marketing at Wolverhampton Polytechnic and worked in industrial goods, local radio and food marketing, prior to venturing into the Bookmaking Industry.
Mark was the owner of a traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ bookmaker’s chain for over 15 years, then recognised the potential of the Internet in the mid 90’s. Mark pursued this opportunity to its fullest. In October 1998, he launched Sportingbet.com from Alderney, which was instantly successful and was listed on OFEX in April 1999. In January 2001, the company floated on the Alternative Investment Market, part of the London Stock Exchange, raising £18m. Sportingbet operate online sports and horse race betting as well as casino and virtual games.
Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit has led his company to go from strength to strength, acquiring some of the biggest names in gaming - Betmaker.com (Costa Rica), Number One Betting Shop (Australia), Sportsbook (USA) and Sporting Odds (UK) to name a few - making Sportingbet the world’s largest internet gambling group. Sportingbet has revenues exceeding £1 billion and in excess of 1.1m customers from over 150 countries worldwide.
Sportingbet grew to report profits of £103m in year end July 2005. Employment peaked at around 1,000 people and market capitalisation of the company reached nearly £2billion. The company won various awards including: Mark Blandford AIM Entrepreneur of the year 2002 and Sportingbet AIM Transaction of the year 2005.
Melissa Blau
Director, iGaming Capital, UK15:00 20/09/11 - Start-Up LaunchPad
[show/hide bio]Melissa has been working in the Media, Technology and Finance for 20 years. She is currently the CEO of Live Gaming Technology (LGT), a gaming software and white label provider of live dealer/caller casino and bingo. In addition to her current job, she is also a consultant for companies looking to enter or expand their presence in the digital gaming sector as well as a columnist for iGaming Business Magazine, the leading publication for the online gaming sector, where she tracks the performance the top 30 publicly listed online gaming companies.
Prior to LGT, Melissa was the CEO of Europa Point Group, an acquisition vehicle focused on developing and acquiring online gaming companies. At that time, she was also was the online gaming consultant for The Racing Post. Prior to Europa Point, Melissa’s experience includes acting an Operating Executive at Global Leisure Partners, providing M&A and advisory services for the online gaming sector, and the CFO of St. Minver, a Gibraltar based operator of online casino, poker and bingo. She was a General Partner and founding member of Constellation Ventures, a $450m Bear Stearns venture capital fund dedicated to the media and technology sector.
Melissa holds a B.S. from the Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard University.
Prior to LGT, Melissa was the CEO of Europa Point Group, an acquisition vehicle focused on developing and acquiring online gaming companies. At that time, she was also was the online gaming consultant for The Racing Post. Prior to Europa Point, Melissa’s experience includes acting an Operating Executive at Global Leisure Partners, providing M&A and advisory services for the online gaming sector, and the CFO of St. Minver, a Gibraltar based operator of online casino, poker and bingo. She was a General Partner and founding member of Constellation Ventures, a $450m Bear Stearns venture capital fund dedicated to the media and technology sector.
Melissa holds a B.S. from the Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard University.
Stefano Bortoli
CEO, SNAI13:30 20/09/11 - CEO Panel: Global vs. local and niche players – identifying the future’s winners in the newly regulated, consolidating and increasingly localised iGaming market
[show/hide bio]On June 1, 2011, the Board of Directors of SNAI appointed Stefano Bortoli as managing director of the company.
Stefano Bortoli, 51, has held various managerial positions: he was the CFO and then co-general manager of Alenia Aeronautica, with specific focus on strategy and business development within international development and military sectors. Subsequently, he was the CFO of Lottomatica SpA
He graduated cum laude in Economics from the University La Sapienza of Rome, and a Professor in International Economics and management at Loyola University of Chicago and Lumsa University of Rome.
Stefano Bortoli, 51, has held various managerial positions: he was the CFO and then co-general manager of Alenia Aeronautica, with specific focus on strategy and business development within international development and military sectors. Subsequently, he was the CFO of Lottomatica SpA
He graduated cum laude in Economics from the University La Sapienza of Rome, and a Professor in International Economics and management at Loyola University of Chicago and Lumsa University of Rome.
Simon Burrell
Independent Consultant, UK16:00 21/09/11 - Transforming your sportsbook into a more cost-efficient and automated operation to take advantage of further advancements in live betting and risk management tools
[show/hide bio]Burrell has been involved in the gaming sector for over 18 years and has been an operator, supplier, media partner and consultant. He started his career with PA Sport where he was in charge of the provision of all real time sports data before heading up Infosis Sports Division. He joined Sports.com in 1999, the largest non-US, sports website in the world, to run their English language sites & UK businesses. In 2001, he launched their wholly owned and operated sportsbook with one of the earliest In Play event centres ahead of the 2002 World Cup. In late 2002, Simon joined ESA Group - sports information supply specialists and media owners. While with ESA he launched the first 24/7 sports IPTV channel – Sportbox.tv – in summer 2004. He went on to launch the national Sunday newspaper, the Football Paper in 2006. Thereafter, he has run PicksPal UK, Liberty Media’s Sports Interactive operations outside of North America, devised new products for IMG and advised a number of fantasy and MMORPG operators.
More recently he has been providing consultancy to rights holders, media and gaming companies regarding international strategy, product development, content, harnessing social media and social platforms, customer acquisition & retention, business development, and fundraising. Over the last two years his launches include the iCard for Racing UK, the Official Daily Fantasy Game for the IPL and betting enabled content event centres and content enhanced betting applications. He presently runs his own consultancy firm and is the UK Director for new social start-up WayIn.
More recently he has been providing consultancy to rights holders, media and gaming companies regarding international strategy, product development, content, harnessing social media and social platforms, customer acquisition & retention, business development, and fundraising. Over the last two years his launches include the iCard for Racing UK, the Official Daily Fantasy Game for the IPL and betting enabled content event centres and content enhanced betting applications. He presently runs his own consultancy firm and is the UK Director for new social start-up WayIn.
Simon Burridge
CEO, Virgin Games, United Kingdom12:00 22/09/11 - Track One: Securing the first mover advantage for entry into new markets
[show/hide bio]Having completed his degree in History at Queen’s College, Oxford, Simon spent 18 months traveling around Africa and France, where he taught English extremely badly to a series of increasingly bewildered Parisian secretaries, waitresses and unemployed, before finally succumbing to the lure of a career in advertising in 1979.
His first port of call was as a graduate trainee at the now defunct Ayer Barker Hegemann. In 1981, he started at Dewe Rogerson, a financial advertising and PR Agency, becoming a full Board Director in 1984.
In 1987, JWT recruited him as a Board Director. Until he left in 1994, he ran a wide variety of accounts including a role as co-organiser of Sir Richard Branson’s UK lottery Foundation Bid for the first National Lottery License.
In 1994, he moved to Abbott Mead Vickers as a Senior Board Director before returning, two years later to JWT as a Managing Partner. In September 1999, he was asked by Sir Richard Branson to set up the People’s Lottery in order to contest the second License, formally becoming Chief Executive of The People’s Lottery in September.
In 2001, he was made Chairman of HHCL Group, where, in addition to running the advertising agency, he also added digital marketing, design, and event based PR to HHCL’s core offering. At the end of 2002, 49% of HHCL was sold to WPP and Simon rejoined Richard Branson, working on a number of projects, one of which has led to the creation of Virgin Games, of which he is Chairman.
His first port of call was as a graduate trainee at the now defunct Ayer Barker Hegemann. In 1981, he started at Dewe Rogerson, a financial advertising and PR Agency, becoming a full Board Director in 1984.
In 1987, JWT recruited him as a Board Director. Until he left in 1994, he ran a wide variety of accounts including a role as co-organiser of Sir Richard Branson’s UK lottery Foundation Bid for the first National Lottery License.
In 1994, he moved to Abbott Mead Vickers as a Senior Board Director before returning, two years later to JWT as a Managing Partner. In September 1999, he was asked by Sir Richard Branson to set up the People’s Lottery in order to contest the second License, formally becoming Chief Executive of The People’s Lottery in September.
In 2001, he was made Chairman of HHCL Group, where, in addition to running the advertising agency, he also added digital marketing, design, and event based PR to HHCL’s core offering. At the end of 2002, 49% of HHCL was sold to WPP and Simon rejoined Richard Branson, working on a number of projects, one of which has led to the creation of Virgin Games, of which he is Chairman.
Nick Cassidy
Tax Director, Betfair12:30 21/09/11 - Track One: Regulations and taxation – preparing for your move to new markets
[show/hide bio]Based in London, Nick is the Tax Director for Betfair Group PLC. Since joining the group in 2005, Nick has built up the group’s tax function to support the business as it continues to expand. Nick is responsible for managing the group’s tax affairs globally and has been closely involved in a number of significant business restructures and the group’s floatation on the London Stock Exchange in 2010. Prior to joining Betfair, Nick worked for a Nasdaq listed consultancy and Ernst & Young.
Tony Coles
Partner, Jeffrey Green Russell, UK12:30 21/09/11 - Track One: Regulations and taxation – preparing for your move to new markets
[show/hide bio]Tony Coles is a partner in Jeffrey Green Russell's gaming and betting department. He is well-known in the leisure industry for his specialist knowledge of gaming and betting law. He enjoys an international reputation for the strength of his practice. Clients span a range of sizes and sectors and include a number of international household names in the leisure industry.
Tony regularly lectures to an international audience on gaming issues and is a frequent contributor to gaming law periodicals and journals. He is currently vice-president of the International Masters of Gaming Law, as well as being a member of the International Association of Gaming Attorneys, the Society for the Study of Gambling and the European Association for the Study of Gambling.
He is a respected authority on gaming issues and is the author of the UK section of the well-known 'Internet Gambling Report'. He is also a member of the editorial board of 'Gaming Law Review', for many years was co-chair of the International Symposium on Internet Gambling Law and Management and is a contributor on gambling law to 'Paterson's Licensing Acts'.
Tony regularly lectures to an international audience on gaming issues and is a frequent contributor to gaming law periodicals and journals. He is currently vice-president of the International Masters of Gaming Law, as well as being a member of the International Association of Gaming Attorneys, the Society for the Study of Gambling and the European Association for the Study of Gambling.
He is a respected authority on gaming issues and is the author of the UK section of the well-known 'Internet Gambling Report'. He is also a member of the editorial board of 'Gaming Law Review', for many years was co-chair of the International Symposium on Internet Gambling Law and Management and is a contributor on gambling law to 'Paterson's Licensing Acts'.
Simon Collins
Founder, NewGame Capital15:00 20/09/11 - Start-Up LaunchPad
[show/hide bio]Simon Collins has launched NewGame Capital, a venture capital fund exclusively focused on the digital gaming sector. It went live September 5th 2011; it has made its first investment in free-to-play social bingo provider Avatingo. The fund, launched with a £15m anchor commitment from bwin.party and £1m from its investment team, the firm will target investments across online, casual, social and mobile gaming sectors NewGame Capital is advised by Cashcade founders Patrick Southon, Simon Collins and NewShore Partners, a specialist merchant bank focused on media, internet and technology.
Ed Comins
Chief Operating Officer, European Wagering Services12:45 22/09/11 - Securing your first-mover advantage – strategies implemented by global and North American players
[show/hide bio]Ed Comins has over 20 years’ experience in the betting and gaming industry with key UK brands, Coral, Ladbroke Casinos, and the Tote, where he had overall responsibility for developing Totepool's international pari-mutuel business.
Ed joined European Wagering Services in February 2007 as Chief Operating Officer. Ed is a Board Director of EWS, as well as its parent company Webis Holdings Plc, listed on London's AIM Stock Market.
Ed is also a Director of the recently acquired Watchandwager.com LLC, incorporated in Nevada and licensed by the North Dakota Racing Commission as an Advanced Deposit Wagering Service Provider. Watchandwager.com LLC commenced trading as a US ADW entity under its North Dakota licence early in 2011 and has recently opened a sales and marketing office and function in the Bay Area of San Francisco.
Ed joined European Wagering Services in February 2007 as Chief Operating Officer. Ed is a Board Director of EWS, as well as its parent company Webis Holdings Plc, listed on London's AIM Stock Market.
Ed is also a Director of the recently acquired Watchandwager.com LLC, incorporated in Nevada and licensed by the North Dakota Racing Commission as an Advanced Deposit Wagering Service Provider. Watchandwager.com LLC commenced trading as a US ADW entity under its North Dakota licence early in 2011 and has recently opened a sales and marketing office and function in the Bay Area of San Francisco.
Mauro de Fabritiis
International Development, Partner, MAG Consulenti12:00 22/09/11 - Track One: Securing the first mover advantage for entry into new markets
12:30 22/09/11 - The .country approach: Building and scaling up a strong brand with fully localised products and services for a highly effective .country business - Gioco Digitale case study
13:00 22/09/11 - Winga case study: Securing a leading share of the market with an innovative cross-channel product and marketing approach
[show/hide bio]Mauro holds a full marks degrees in Economics by Bocconi University, Milan.
Mauro is a partner of MAG, the leader strategic consulting company in Italy for the gambling industry, with branches in Spain and France.
Mauro is responsible for MAG of the business development in the European markets and has a specific knowledge, matured in the Italian and French environment, on shaping the gaming operators strategy and operations to the specific constraints of the regulated contexts.
In the last six years, Mauro has been working on several consulting projects in the gambling industry, dealing with strategic and business development issues as well as market entry projects in Italy, Spain and France.
Mauro has developed a specific knowledge in matters related to online gambling, physical network management, gambling regulation and has been supporting several on line and land based gambling operators on start-up assistance, positioning strategy, business modeling and business planning, marketing and innovation projects.
Mauro has been supporting the Italian regulator AAMS from 2004 to 2007 at shaping the business and regulatory Italian gambling model mainly in the betting, skill games, poker and lotteries segments.
Before joining MAG Mauro has been working for six years as a management consultant for two Italian consulting firms in the practices of strategy, business innovation and competitive analysis with regard to FMCG, banking, automotive and retailing sector.
Mauro has also a two years experience at Bocconi University as a marketing researcher and teacher.
CONTACTO:
Email: mdefabritiis@mag-ca.it
Mobile: +39 347 0771949
Mauro is a partner of MAG, the leader strategic consulting company in Italy for the gambling industry, with branches in Spain and France.
Mauro is responsible for MAG of the business development in the European markets and has a specific knowledge, matured in the Italian and French environment, on shaping the gaming operators strategy and operations to the specific constraints of the regulated contexts.
In the last six years, Mauro has been working on several consulting projects in the gambling industry, dealing with strategic and business development issues as well as market entry projects in Italy, Spain and France.
Mauro has developed a specific knowledge in matters related to online gambling, physical network management, gambling regulation and has been supporting several on line and land based gambling operators on start-up assistance, positioning strategy, business modeling and business planning, marketing and innovation projects.
Mauro has been supporting the Italian regulator AAMS from 2004 to 2007 at shaping the business and regulatory Italian gambling model mainly in the betting, skill games, poker and lotteries segments.
Before joining MAG Mauro has been working for six years as a management consultant for two Italian consulting firms in the practices of strategy, business innovation and competitive analysis with regard to FMCG, banking, automotive and retailing sector.
Mauro has also a two years experience at Bocconi University as a marketing researcher and teacher.
CONTACTO:
Email: mdefabritiis@mag-ca.it
Mobile: +39 347 0771949
Pietro De Remigis
CEO, Multigaming Network15:00 20/09/11 - Start-Up LaunchPad
[show/hide bio]Coming soon.
Prof. Eugenio della Valle
Tax Law Full Professor, “Sapienza” Rome State University12:30 21/09/11 - Track One: Regulations and taxation – preparing for your move to new markets
[show/hide bio]Coming soon.
Paolo Di Feo
Southern Region Director, bwin.party digital entertainment , Italy12:30 22/09/11 - The .country approach: Building and scaling up a strong brand with fully localised products and services for a highly effective .country business - Gioco Digitale case study
[show/hide bio]Paolo di Feo - Born in Rome in 1966, has a degree in economics and holds an MBA from SDA Bocconi/Columbia University.
At bwin since 2009, currently in the new group bwin.party Digital Entertainment, Paolo is Southern Region Director (Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Latin America). Before joining bwin in 2009, Paolo was co-founder and partner of MAG S.r.l. (strategic consulting for the gambling industry) working with the most important Italian and international gaming operators, with hedge funds and with State Regulation Authorities (AAMS, Sogei e Unire). Paolo played a decisive role in the growth of gambling in Italy, in particular as far as online gaming, which is now a “model” for all of Europe.
Prior to joining MAG, Paolo was head of strategy and investment evaluation with ENEA (National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and the Environment), where he reached a new important direction in the Italian research field.
Prior to this, he held managerial positions in organization, strategy and marketing with Telecom Italia and Cap Gemini Ernst & Young.
At bwin since 2009, currently in the new group bwin.party Digital Entertainment, Paolo is Southern Region Director (Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Latin America). Before joining bwin in 2009, Paolo was co-founder and partner of MAG S.r.l. (strategic consulting for the gambling industry) working with the most important Italian and international gaming operators, with hedge funds and with State Regulation Authorities (AAMS, Sogei e Unire). Paolo played a decisive role in the growth of gambling in Italy, in particular as far as online gaming, which is now a “model” for all of Europe.
Prior to joining MAG, Paolo was head of strategy and investment evaluation with ENEA (National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and the Environment), where he reached a new important direction in the Italian research field.
Prior to this, he held managerial positions in organization, strategy and marketing with Telecom Italia and Cap Gemini Ernst & Young.
Assen Diakovski
Head of Gaming, Buongiorno13:00 22/09/11 - Winga case study: Securing a leading share of the market with an innovative cross-channel product and marketing approach
[show/hide bio]Coming soon.
Alexander Dreyfus
CEO, Chilipoker10:30 22/09/11 - CEO Panel: Next generation gaming products:
[show/hide bio]Coming soon.
Fabio Felici
Founder and Director, Agicos Group13:10 20/09/11 - Opening address
[show/hide bio]Fabio Felici began to write articles about gambling since 1981. In 1991 became journalist and founded and directed the most important Italian magazines dedicated to gaming. He published articles about gambling on the main Italian newspapers and conducted radio and television programs about the gaming sector. In 2004 he founded the first group of press agencies dedicated to the gambling industry, Agicos.
Richard Flint
MD, Sky Betting and Gaming12:30 21/09/11 - Track Three: Securing a competitive edge in your vertical
[show/hide bio]Richard Flint is the Managing Director of Sky Betting and Gaming, with responsibility for BSkyB’s interactive betting/gaming operations including Sky Bet, Sky Vegas, Sky Poker, Sky Bingo, Sky Games and Oddschecker.
Richard has held his current position for 3 years, during which time he has grown revenues by over 40% and more than trebled divisional profits. Major launches and innovations over this period have included Sky Bingo and new websites and rebrands across the portfolio.
Prior to his current role he as Commercial Director of Sky Betting and Gaming, launching Sky Poker and Sky Vegas, both with their own websites, interactive TV services and live TV channels.
Before joining Sky, Richard was a Product Director at flutter.com (now part of Betfair), a channel manager at the Financial Times website and a consultant at McKinsey & Company. He holds an M.Eng from Oxford University and a Masters degree in Public Policy from Harvard University as a Fulbright and Frank Knox scholar.
Commenting on EIG, Richard said “If you can only attend one online gambling event in the year, then it has to be EiG. The whole industry is there, and it’s a great opportunity to catch up on the gossip and to find out what’s really going on behind what you might read in the industry press “
Richard has held his current position for 3 years, during which time he has grown revenues by over 40% and more than trebled divisional profits. Major launches and innovations over this period have included Sky Bingo and new websites and rebrands across the portfolio.
Prior to his current role he as Commercial Director of Sky Betting and Gaming, launching Sky Poker and Sky Vegas, both with their own websites, interactive TV services and live TV channels.
Before joining Sky, Richard was a Product Director at flutter.com (now part of Betfair), a channel manager at the Financial Times website and a consultant at McKinsey & Company. He holds an M.Eng from Oxford University and a Masters degree in Public Policy from Harvard University as a Fulbright and Frank Knox scholar.
Commenting on EIG, Richard said “If you can only attend one online gambling event in the year, then it has to be EiG. The whole industry is there, and it’s a great opportunity to catch up on the gossip and to find out what’s really going on behind what you might read in the industry press “
Roger Flynn
Former CEO, BBC Ventures11:00 21/09/11 - Making it work in highly regulated markets – what you can learn from airline and financial services' industries to lead your company through times of transformational change driven by regulation and consolidation?
[show/hide bio]Roger Flynn is a worldwide expert in transformational change. His experience is unique having been the CEO/Director leading transformational change in five global companies. He has run businesses with turnovers of up to £2bn, with millions of customers and thousands of staff. He is currently investor in and Chairman of Biofuels Media Ltd (bioenergy exhibitions and publishing), bigrock Ltd (people performance software) and Vector Group Ltd (global strategy implementation). His observations, vision, solutions and stories have proven invaluable to organisations around the world.
Following a successful MBO with Warburg Pincus, Roger ran the European and Asian businesses of SDI Media Group, a global Film and Television business. Prior to SDI, Roger was Chief Executive of BBC Ventures Group and BBC main board member and created over £1bn of value; Managing Director of Prudential Retail, with £2bn sales, 6m customers and 6,000 staff; General Manager World Sales & Distribution at British Airways and transformed distribution; Director of Virgin working directly for Sir Richard Branson on deals and new business ideas.
Following a successful MBO with Warburg Pincus, Roger ran the European and Asian businesses of SDI Media Group, a global Film and Television business. Prior to SDI, Roger was Chief Executive of BBC Ventures Group and BBC main board member and created over £1bn of value; Managing Director of Prudential Retail, with £2bn sales, 6m customers and 6,000 staff; General Manager World Sales & Distribution at British Airways and transformed distribution; Director of Virgin working directly for Sir Richard Branson on deals and new business ideas.
Pier Francesco Geraci
CEO, 888.it15:00 20/09/11 - Italy in the spotlight – workshop in partnership with Business International
[show/hide bio]Coming soon.
Ben Fried
Partner, Gaming Edge Associates12:30 21/09/11 - Track Three: Securing a competitive edge in your vertical
[show/hide bio]Ben Fried is an experienced poker industry business leader with a proven track record building, launching and managing high growth egaming businesses. Ben launched and managed Betfair Poker for over 5 years growing Betfair Poker into one of Europe’s leading online poker rooms. Since starting Gaming Edge Associates in 2009, Ben has led multiple projects investigating the poker industry, vendor selection and poker strategic direction for major European and US operators. He has extensive operational experience of running a successful European poker room as well as a detailed understanding of the various products on the market. Gaming Edge have created the Poker Edge Scorecard which compares the leading 17 poker software providers and has launched it successfully on the market. Ben is a well-respected consultant in the online poker industry and regularly participant at poker events worldwide.
Nick Garner
Global Head of Search, Unibet15:45 21/09/11 - Successfully implementing social media monitoring tools in your customer management to identify potential brand risks and to improve your product offer
10:15 21/09/11 - Interconnected lives of Digital Natives – understand future generations’ entertainment habits to shape your digital propositions and influence digital policies
[show/hide bio]Nick Garner is the head of SEO and SMO (social media optimisation) for Unibet, the large European bookmakers. He is a recognised expert in SEO within the gaming industry, having had several commercial successes at Betfair where he was SEO manager. Nick has ranked for many important trophy phrases in his SEO career to date, with ‘World Cup Betting’ being his most recent home run.
An internet marketing veteran, Nick has been architecting and building websites for the last 11 years. He is a prominent Wordcamp UK participant, having run many popular workshop sessions on SEO for Wordpress. He puts his SEO successes down to a practical understanding of internet related technology, human behaviour and ‘outreach’ to win the best links from 3rd party web sites. He is always prepared to get stuck in to win the rankings race. Nick is a family man and competitive international sportsman based just outside London.
An internet marketing veteran, Nick has been architecting and building websites for the last 11 years. He is a prominent Wordcamp UK participant, having run many popular workshop sessions on SEO for Wordpress. He puts his SEO successes down to a practical understanding of internet related technology, human behaviour and ‘outreach’ to win the best links from 3rd party web sites. He is always prepared to get stuck in to win the rankings race. Nick is a family man and competitive international sportsman based just outside London.
Prof. Ihno Gebhardt
Former Head of Gambling Autority, Brandenburg Federal State Ministry of Interior, Germany15:45 21/09/11 - Comparing regulatory and tax models and sharing best practice in regulating iGaming in global markets to create sustainable industry that serves consumers, states and businesses
[show/hide bio]Prof. Ihno Gebhardt, Head of Gambling Autority, Brandenburg Federal State Ministry of Interior, Germany
The lawyer Ihno Gebhardt has been head of the gambling authority of the Brandenburg Federal State Ministry of Interior. He has substantially participated in the creation of the Gambling State Treaty. In 2004/2005 he had the central handling of the special advisory and was a member of the Federal State´s working group against illegal gambling. He is a professor for the jurisprudence and for police operations at the Brandenburg Police University of Applied Sciences, and he is considered a leading authority in the European gambling landscape. He is the editor of a standard book about Gambling – Economy, Law, and Addiction. Professor Gebhardt is also director of the Institute for Applied Security Research.
The lawyer Ihno Gebhardt has been head of the gambling authority of the Brandenburg Federal State Ministry of Interior. He has substantially participated in the creation of the Gambling State Treaty. In 2004/2005 he had the central handling of the special advisory and was a member of the Federal State´s working group against illegal gambling. He is a professor for the jurisprudence and for police operations at the Brandenburg Police University of Applied Sciences, and he is considered a leading authority in the European gambling landscape. He is the editor of a standard book about Gambling – Economy, Law, and Addiction. Professor Gebhardt is also director of the Institute for Applied Security Research.
David Goldberg
Co-CEO, Federated Sports and Gaming15:15 21/09/11 - Convergence of platforms: Responding to consumer demand by providing a single customer view over various gaming platforms: land-based, mobile and online
[show/hide bio]David Goldberg was most recently the President and CEO of Youbet.com (NASDAQ-UBET). Youbet was the largest, independent, legal online wagering site in the United States and in June 2010 was sold to Churchill Downs Inc. (NASDAQ-CHDN). David helped take the company from a market cap of just over $25m to an eventual sale in excess of $130m in less than two years.
Prior to Youbet David was Executive Vice President of Ticketmaster (an operating business of IAC – NASDAQ – IACI) where he was one of three executives charged with overall management and leadership of the business through the Office of the CEO. During his tenure at Ticketmaster he oversaw Global Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Development, Sales and Marketing and Ticketmaster’s music industry vertical (music represents over 50% of TM’s revenue).
Before Ticketmaster David helped start two venture backed companies: Tunes.com, operator of RollingStone.com and other music destination websites (sold to Emusic for $144m) and SportVision, creator of the yellow “First and Ten” line and other sports related broadcast television enhancements.
David received a B.A. from Northwestern University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.
Prior to Youbet David was Executive Vice President of Ticketmaster (an operating business of IAC – NASDAQ – IACI) where he was one of three executives charged with overall management and leadership of the business through the Office of the CEO. During his tenure at Ticketmaster he oversaw Global Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Development, Sales and Marketing and Ticketmaster’s music industry vertical (music represents over 50% of TM’s revenue).
Before Ticketmaster David helped start two venture backed companies: Tunes.com, operator of RollingStone.com and other music destination websites (sold to Emusic for $144m) and SportVision, creator of the yellow “First and Ten” line and other sports related broadcast television enhancements.
David received a B.A. from Northwestern University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.
Malcolm Graham
CEO, PKR, United Kingdom12:30 21/09/11 - Track Three: Securing a competitive edge in your vertical
[show/hide bio]Malcolm is the CEO of PKR.com, a company which has developed a uniquely customizable 3D online poker software. The company was founded by Jez San, who was the creative force behind Argonaut Games, one of the UKs most successful games developers. PKR launched in August 2006 based in Alderney, the premier online gaming regulatory environment. PKR has become the 17th largest poker room on the Internet and is continuing to grow at a substantial pace.
Previously, Malcolm was the Managing Director of The Ritz Club London Online, operating an online casino and poker room under The Ritz brand. He was also a Director of The Ritz Club, the land based casino located in the Ritz Hotel. Malcolm was responsible for all aspects of The Ritz Club’s online gaming operations including the following: Negotiating contracts with all suppliers, Overseeing all marketing activities, Co-ordinating all customer care and retention activities, Managing The Ritz’s move from Curacao to Alderney, Full P&L responsibility, selecting and negotiating potential marketing and technology partnerships.
Malcolm was Chairman of the Alderney Gaming Licensees Forum and Treasurer of the Interactive Gaming, Gambling and Betting Association in 2003.
Prior to Malcolm’s role at The Ritz Club Online he worked for one of the UKs leading internet investment vehicles called the Antfactory. He was responsible for their £2 m investment in Whittards of Chelsea. Prior to the Antfactory, Malcolm was a management consultant with Mercer Management Consulting where he specialized in the telecommunications and internet industries.
Malcolm has a BA from Southampton University and an MBA from INSEAD.
Sophie Guillon-Morel
Head of Cabinet, ARJEL14:45 21/09/11 - Track One cont.:Regulations and taxation-preparing for your move into new markets
[show/hide bio]Coming soon.
John Hagan
Partner, Harris Hagan, UK14:45 21/09/11 - Track One cont.:Regulations and taxation-preparing for your move into new markets
[show/hide bio]Specialising in all aspects of online and land based gambling law. John is recognised by the independent Guides as a leading gambling lawyer and is described as “popular with clients because of the lengths to which he goes to understand their specific needs”.
Qualified in 1993, practicing as a commercial litigator before specialising in gambling law in 1998. He has advised many of the world’s largest gambling operators as well as trade associations. He is frequently instructed by other leading law firms, private equity firms and banks to provide specialist licensing and regulatory expertise in respect of corporate investments and transactions.
An experienced Advocate, a frequent and respected conference speaker and a regular contributor of articles to national and international gaming publications. John is a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors, International Masters of Gaming Law and is the Deputy Chairman of GamCare, the leading problem gambling charity in the UK.
John read law at University College Dublin and his personal interests include golf, rugby, football and chess.
Qualified in 1993, practicing as a commercial litigator before specialising in gambling law in 1998. He has advised many of the world’s largest gambling operators as well as trade associations. He is frequently instructed by other leading law firms, private equity firms and banks to provide specialist licensing and regulatory expertise in respect of corporate investments and transactions.
An experienced Advocate, a frequent and respected conference speaker and a regular contributor of articles to national and international gaming publications. John is a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors, International Masters of Gaming Law and is the Deputy Chairman of GamCare, the leading problem gambling charity in the UK.
John read law at University College Dublin and his personal interests include golf, rugby, football and chess.
Brett Hale
SVP, Corporate and Governmental Relations , Churchill Downs, USA12:00 22/09/11 - Track Two: Winning the most lucrative iGaming market there is- North America
[show/hide bio]Brett has been with Churchill Downs since December 2009. Previously he was with American Gaming Association where was responsible for following Internet gambling legislation and n formulating AGA policy in this area.
Prior to joining the AGA, Brett served as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.). He also worked as a legislative assistant in the office of U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton (R-Wash.) from 1997 to 2000, managing technology issues, including the Microsoft anti-trust case, gaming, aviation, surface transportation and professional sports.
Brett's extensive Capitol Hill experience began in 1993, where he worked in the office of U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Since then, he has worked with organizations including the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Friends for Slade Gorton, the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee, Friends for Jack Metcalf and the Washington State Republican Party. Most recently, Brett volunteered for Bush for President in November 2000, participating in the presidential election ballot recount in Broward County, Fla.
Brett received a bachelor of arts degree from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky. He also studied at the Kentucky Institute for International Studies in Munich, Germany.
Prior to joining the AGA, Brett served as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.). He also worked as a legislative assistant in the office of U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton (R-Wash.) from 1997 to 2000, managing technology issues, including the Microsoft anti-trust case, gaming, aviation, surface transportation and professional sports.
Brett's extensive Capitol Hill experience began in 1993, where he worked in the office of U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Since then, he has worked with organizations including the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Friends for Slade Gorton, the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee, Friends for Jack Metcalf and the Washington State Republican Party. Most recently, Brett volunteered for Bush for President in November 2000, participating in the presidential election ballot recount in Broward County, Fla.
Brett received a bachelor of arts degree from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky. He also studied at the Kentucky Institute for International Studies in Munich, Germany.
Marijn Harinck
CEO, United Games10:30 22/09/11 - CEO Panel: Next generation gaming products:
[show/hide bio]Since 2007, Marijn Harinck is founder and CEO of UnitedGames, a leading social game developer and publisher based in the Netherlands and part of the bwin.party group.
UnitedGames' portfolio includes titles such as International Football Predictor - a football prediction game for social media, Raise Up The Tenth - a social game for Real Madrid on Facebook and the prestigous Volvo Ocean Race Game - the official sailing simulation game of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012.
UnitedGames' portfolio includes titles such as International Football Predictor - a football prediction game for social media, Raise Up The Tenth - a social game for Real Madrid on Facebook and the prestigous Volvo Ocean Race Game - the official sailing simulation game of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012.
Clive Hawkswood
CEO, Remote Gambling Association, UK12:00 22/09/11 - RGA Briefing – Exclusive for EiG 2011
[show/hide bio]Clive Hawkswood has been Chief Executive of the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) since its establishment in August 2005 following the merger of the Association of Remote Gambling Operators (ARGO) and the Interactive Gaming, Gambling and Betting Association (iGGBA). Before that he was the General Secretary of ARGO.
Clive was formerly head of the Betting & Racing Branch at the British Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). Prior to that, he was at the Home Office, spending time in both the Gambling Section and the Horseracing Policy Team. Earlier in his career he spent several years working in the bookmaking industry.
He is also a Director of the Responsibility in Gambling Trust (RIGT), the British charity that raises and allocates funds for problem gambling related research, education and treatment.
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Wes Himes
Managing Partner, Policy Action, UK12:00 22/09/11 - RGA Briefing – Exclusive for EiG 2011
[show/hide bio]Operating in London and Brussels, Wes advises clients on a range of gaming and gambling public policy and commercial issues. He maintains effective relations with key Parliamentary decision-makers in London and Brussels, the European Commission, the Member States and regulators.
Wes provides information services and strategic advice on EU public policy issues to the Remote Gambling Association (RGA). Through this, he has worked with large gambling operators in the areas of online gambling, betting, gaming and amusement. He is also involved in offline casino development and regulation risk control.
Wes worked for a number of years in Washington DC as Director of State Development for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). In this capacity, he worked with state legislative leaders throughout the United States and major US corporations. Wes moved to Europe to work as the Brussels Representative for the European Policy Forum and as an aide to a member of the European Parliament. He gained a Masters of Business Administration from the Katholieke University Leuven, Belgium - one of Europe's top business schools. Wes oversees all practices within the firm and has particular experience in strategic and commercial advice.
Ingo Hinterding
Co-Founder and Managing Director, Crowdpark15:00 20/09/11 - Start-Up LaunchPad
[show/hide bio]Coming soon.
Evan Hoff
Partner, Velo Partners, United Kingdom15:00 20/09/11 - Start-Up LaunchPad
[show/hide bio]Evan is a chartered accountant with significant gaming industry experience. The initial part of his career was at Price Waterhouse (now PCW) in audit and corporate finance. Later he was both founder and/or CEO of a series of ventures focused on various segments of the online gaming sector, including founder and CEO of a gaming investment company listed on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market. More recently Evan set up Velo Partners as an investor in and advisor to gaming businesses.
Ian Hogg
Chief Operating Officer, Sportech , UK14:45 21/09/11 - Track One cont.:Regulations and taxation-preparing for your move into new markets
[show/hide bio]Ian is the founding shareholder of growing betting shop chain Better which now operates 35 shops in London and the South East. He was formerly the Managing Director of At The Races (2002-2004) and a board member for Arena Leisure Plc (2001-2005).
Simon Holliday
Director, H2 Gambling Capital, UK12:30 21/09/11 - Track One: Regulations and taxation – preparing for your move to new markets
[show/hide bio]Simon is a Director at H2 Gambling Capital, which he established during September 2008. H2 Gambling Capital is a specialist consultancy as well as the leading supplier of data and market intelligence regarding the global gambling industry. H2’s data and forecasts have become the industry standard.
Simon and his team collect and analyse data for both online and land-based gambling markets, produce forecasts and write material both for the company's publications and on a bespoke basis for clients. During the past eight years Mr. Holliday has supplied information or worked with over 400 organisations operating in, supplying to or analysing the gambling industry.
Simon is a regular speaker at major international industry/investment conferences and regularly visits major gambling markets on fact finding trips. He has worked as a consultant in the due diligence and investor education process in many of the industry's major financial transactions during the past seven years. He is a member of the Gerson Lehrman Group network of experts where is ranked in the leading 2%.
Previously, Simon was a Partner at GBGC which he co-founded in 1999. Prior to this time Simon held consulting roles in the broader leisure industry. He is now also working to develop the H2 model in other sectors including sport and computer games.
Wilhelm Huber
Head of Internationals, William Hill14:45 21/09/11 - Track One cont.:Regulations and taxation-preparing for your move into new markets
[show/hide bio]Wilhelm has 13 years of experience in Online Gaming and E-Commerce in general. He is currently ‘Head of International’ at William Hill Online. In this role Wilhelm has a strong focus on leading the international marketing and business development of William Hill. Prior to his current position Wilhelm was Head of Marketing for Central/Southern Europe and Latin America with bwin. During his 8 years at bwin Wilhelm was responsible for the launch and ongoing marketing management of bwin in more than 15 different markets including Italy, Spain, Greece, Mexico and several Eastern and Northern European markets. Before getting into the online gaming industry Wilhelm was heading the design, setup and launch of one of the first commercially successful online photofinishing platforms in Germany and Austria. Wilhelm has Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Graz, Austria and did part of his studies at Exeter University, UK.
David Hunter
CEO, Ukash, UK16:45 21/09/11 - Payments in regulated and regulating markets
[show/hide bio]David Hunter is a leader in the Prepaid and Electronic Money industries and brings considerable experience having founded and led three eMoney businesses in the past five years – BT Accurate, ClickandBuy (Europe) and paysafecard UK.
His transition from Telecoms to Payments happened almost by accident around 2004/5 when he added BT’s ePayments gateway (BT BuyNet) to his Business Process Outsourcing portfolio. He later added the then failing business unit BT Click&Buy, to create BT’s ePayments division.
When ClickandBuy moved out of BT in 2006, Hunter decided to move with it, leading its ambitious plans to transform from a simple micro-payments service to a full Electronic Money Institution. In 2008 Hunter repeated the feat for paysafecard, making him the first CEO to successfully lead two businesses through the complex regulatory processes of ELMI application with the UK’s FSA.
Hunter is a champion of Prepaid Commerce, and in particular of cash-based electronic money. He has been a pioneer of the UK & European Prepaid Card industry and has a track record of developing and leading new ventures into profitable growth.
His transition from Telecoms to Payments happened almost by accident around 2004/5 when he added BT’s ePayments gateway (BT BuyNet) to his Business Process Outsourcing portfolio. He later added the then failing business unit BT Click&Buy, to create BT’s ePayments division.
When ClickandBuy moved out of BT in 2006, Hunter decided to move with it, leading its ambitious plans to transform from a simple micro-payments service to a full Electronic Money Institution. In 2008 Hunter repeated the feat for paysafecard, making him the first CEO to successfully lead two businesses through the complex regulatory processes of ELMI application with the UK’s FSA.
Hunter is a champion of Prepaid Commerce, and in particular of cash-based electronic money. He has been a pioneer of the UK & European Prepaid Card industry and has a track record of developing and leading new ventures into profitable growth.
Paul Kavanagh
Managing Director – Ireland Operations, Sportingbet14:45 21/09/11 - Track Two cont.: Focus on the customer for improved player acquisition and retention
[show/hide bio]Paul Kavanagh is responsible for developing and executing corporate business strategies designed to optimise corporate growth and position Sportingbet as the global leader in online sports betting. He manages daily operations of key departments including customer service (covering all domains 24/7 365), payments, finance enquires and risk management, supervising more than 190 employees through a team of eight senior managers.
Previously, Paul was Director of Customer Service EMEA at Hertz where he led a team charged with delivering world-class customer service to customers in the EMEA market. He developed metrics capable of measuring the quality and quantity of employee engagement, leading to better cost controls and increased customer satisfaction. He also worked at Lucent Technology, where he was Director of Operations and Global Order Fulfilment for EMEA, with responsibility for managing the roll-out and execution of new products and services.
Previously, Paul was Director of Customer Service EMEA at Hertz where he led a team charged with delivering world-class customer service to customers in the EMEA market. He developed metrics capable of measuring the quality and quantity of employee engagement, leading to better cost controls and increased customer satisfaction. He also worked at Lucent Technology, where he was Director of Operations and Global Order Fulfilment for EMEA, with responsibility for managing the roll-out and execution of new products and services.
Jason Kellerman
Founder and CEO, PurePlay, US12:45 22/09/11 - Securing your first-mover advantage – strategies implemented by global and North American players
[show/hide bio]Jason Kellerman is the CEO of PurePlay. PurePlay is the largest legal play-for-cash online poker destination in the U.S., with over 1,000,000 players. Through its patented subscription model, PurePlay enables players to compete for cash without putting their own money at risk. PurePlay is backed by Silicon Valley investors who funded companies such as Google, eBay, and Facebook.
Prior to PurePlay, Mr. Kellerman served as the CEO of LookSmart, a publicly traded internet search engine (NASD: LOOK) that provided search results for MSN, Ask Jeeves, Lycos, and approximately 200 other websites. Under his leadership, the company grew its search revenue from $10MM in 2000 to almost $150MM in 2003.
Prior to LookSmart, Mr. Kellerman was a Partner at Mercer Management Consulting where he managed large strategy consulting engagements for Fortune 500 clients.
Mr. Kellerman holds a BSE in Civil Engineering and Operations Research from Princeton University.
Rhadamès Killy
General Counsel, ARJEL, France15:45 21/09/11 - Comparing regulatory and tax models and sharing best practice in regulating iGaming in global markets to create sustainable industry that serves consumers, states and businesses
[show/hide bio]Rhadamès Killy is ARJEL’s General Counsel. From 2002 till 2009, he was legal director of the Fédération Française de Tennis, and the French Open. Before French Tennis, Rhadamès spent 7 years as in-house counsel at IMG. He is a member of the State Bar of California.
Steve Lengel
Executive Director of Operations, San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino12:45 22/09/11 - Securing your first-mover advantage – strategies implemented by global and North American players
[show/hide bio]Serving as Executive Director of Operations for San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino, Steve Lengel has over 30 years of gaming and hospitality experience, and is a key player in the development of numerous successful programs including the designation of San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino as a “Certified Responsible Gaming Establishment”, only the second tribal casino in California to receive this certification. Prior to joining San Manuel in 1986, he worked for the Seminole Tribe in Florida for six years, where he attended college in South Florida majoring in Hospitality and Restaurant Management. Lengel regularly attends Gaming related conferences and tradeshows to remain on the cutting edge of the latest trends, information, and new products of the Gaming industry.
Erik Lorenz
Sales Director, Sportradar16:00 21/09/11 - Transforming your sportsbook into a more cost-efficient and automated operation to take advantage of further advancements in live betting and risk management tools
[show/hide bio]Erik joined the Sportradar Group in October 2008. Starting off as Sales & Marketing Director Asia he was responsible for the strategic development of the Sportradar Group in Asia and established the first Asian representative office of Sportradar in Singapore. Since January 2010 Erik is Managing Director Sales at Sportradar and responsible for the strategic alignment of the company’s market leading brands Betradar and Scoreradar.
Previous to Sportradar, the holder of a degree in International Business Administration, worked for the German Football League (DFL). As Manager International & New Business he was handling international media and marketing matters of the German Bundesliga. Before the DFL, Erik worked in Paris as Financial & IT Director for a renowned company in the textiles industry.
Previous to Sportradar, the holder of a degree in International Business Administration, worked for the German Football League (DFL). As Manager International & New Business he was handling international media and marketing matters of the German Bundesliga. Before the DFL, Erik worked in Paris as Financial & IT Director for a renowned company in the textiles industry.
Barak Matalon
Founder and CEO, Neogames10:30 22/09/11 - CEO Panel: Next generation gaming products:
[show/hide bio]Barak Matalon founded NeoGames in 2005 with the vision to create a market for online scratch cards. Within five years, Mr Matalon managed to bring NeoGames to be the leading global service provider of online scratch cards and instant win games at an impressive growth rate.
Prior to establishing NeoGames, Mr Matalon held the title of VP of Sales and Marketing for five years at one of the leading TV channels in Israel. Five years prior to this, he held a senior position within the management team of a leading Israeli internet service provider.
Prior to establishing NeoGames, Mr Matalon held the title of VP of Sales and Marketing for five years at one of the leading TV channels in Israel. Five years prior to this, he held a senior position within the management team of a leading Israeli internet service provider.
Phil McGriskin
Chief Product Officer, WorldPay16:45 21/09/11 - Payments in regulated and regulating markets
[show/hide bio]Officer Phillip has over 13 years experience in the online payments sector. He has held positions including Director of Sales at Neteller Plc and Commercial Director of Earthport Plc. Most recently Phillip is a founder and CEO of Envoy Services, which has recently been acquired by Worldpay. On completion of the deal Phillip will take up a position of Chief Product Officer on the ecommerce board of Worldpay.
Simon Miller
CEO, Betfair TV10:30 22/09/11 - CEO Panel: Next generation gaming products:
[show/hide bio]Having worked in advertising for 8 years Simon moved to into the online marketing world with leading UK bookmaker - Ladbrokes. Since then he has held roles that span business development, marketing, interactive television and gambling with roles at BSkyB’s Sky Bet and Carmen Media’s Red Interactive. Simon became CEO of Betfair TV (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Betfair Group) in January 2008. Simon has turned his passion for skiing into a sideline in ski journalism.
Klas Moberg
CEO, Tajitsu Industries AB15:00 20/09/11 - Start-Up LaunchPad
[show/hide bio]Coming soon.
Peter Naessens
Head of Regulatory Advice Unit, Research & Development, Belgian Gaming Commission15:45 21/09/11 - Comparing regulatory and tax models and sharing best practice in regulating iGaming in global markets to create sustainable industry that serves consumers, states and businesses
[show/hide bio]Peter Naessens is head of the unit Regulatory Advice, Research & Development for the Belgian Gaming Commission. He studied law at the university of Brussels, criminology at the university of Leuven and social work at Campus Kortrijk. He has a large experience in legislative advice. Within the Gaming Commission his focus of activities is on the development and maintenance of the regulatory framework of gambling, the implementation of internet gambling and he follows with special interest the European debate on regulation of the Gambling Market.
Joakim Nilsson
Head of Social Media, Betclic Everest Group15:45 21/09/11 - Successfully implementing social media monitoring tools in your customer management to identify potential brand risks and to improve your product offer
[show/hide bio]Joakim Nilsson is the Head of Social Media at one of Europe’s largest online gaming groups. He has more than 6 years professional experience within the online gaming industry, with a background colored by customer service, affiliate marketing, website management and a whole lot of ‘starting things’.
Angus Nisbet
Gaming Director and Brand Director, meccabingo.com, Rank Interactive17:00 21/09/11 - Offline/online convergence case study: Integrating your land-based and online strategies to cross-sell and up-sell products across different platforms
[show/hide bio]Angus is Director of Gaming for Rank Interactive with responsibility for Mecca, Grosvenor and Blue Square’s portfolio of gaming sites.
He has over 10 years experience in the sector having been Channel Site Editor at Two Way TV for 3 years before joining the team who set up Gala Interactive and launched Gala’s online Gaming Portfolio in 2002.
Angus was part of the management team created after St Minver’s buy-out of Gala Interactive in 2003 and played a key role in their growth as an international white-label operation until leaving to join the Rank Group in 2007.
He has over 10 years experience in the sector having been Channel Site Editor at Two Way TV for 3 years before joining the team who set up Gala Interactive and launched Gala’s online Gaming Portfolio in 2002.
Angus was part of the management team created after St Minver’s buy-out of Gala Interactive in 2003 and played a key role in their growth as an international white-label operation until leaving to join the Rank Group in 2007.
Jessica Ordovas
CEO, MediaTech Solutions15:15 21/09/11 - Convergence of platforms: Responding to consumer demand by providing a single customer view over various gaming platforms: land-based, mobile and online
[show/hide bio]Jessica is currently leading for Casino Gran Madrid the certification of the first legal online Casino Platform in Spain. The launch of Casino Gran Madrid´s online offering will be a historic one for Spain since it will be the first regulated online platform and will open ground ahead of a new national online regulation expected in 2011.
Jessica brings to this process the experience of leading the launch of the first regulated sports betting operation in Spain when she was CEO of the Codere William Hill Joint venture in Spain -Victoria. Victoria is the only operator to have successfully gained licenses and certification in 2 Spanish regions, milestones completed under Jessica´s lead.
Prior to joining Codere, she worked for online and TV companies in the UK and started her career in strategy consulting.
Jessica brings to this process the experience of leading the launch of the first regulated sports betting operation in Spain when she was CEO of the Codere William Hill Joint venture in Spain -Victoria. Victoria is the only operator to have successfully gained licenses and certification in 2 Spanish regions, milestones completed under Jessica´s lead.
Prior to joining Codere, she worked for online and TV companies in the UK and started her career in strategy consulting.
John Palfrey
Author, Born Digital. Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives10:15 21/09/11 - Interconnected lives of Digital Natives – understand future generations’ entertainment habits to shape your digital propositions and influence digital policies
[show/hide bio]John Palfrey is Henry N. Ess Professor of Law and Vice Dean for Library and Information Resources at Harvard Law School. He is the co-author of "Born Digital: Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives" (Basic Books, 2008), "Access Denied: The Practice and Politics of Internet Filtering" (MIT Press, 2008), and “Access Contested: The Shaping of Power, Rights, and Rule in Cyberspace” (MIT Press, 2010), among others. His research and teaching is focused on Internet law, intellectual property, and international law. He practiced intellectual property and corporate law at the law firm of Ropes & Gray. He is a faculty co-director of the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University and was formerly its executive director. Outside of Harvard Law School, he is a Venture Executive at Highland Capital Partners and serves on the board of several technology companies and non-profits. John served as a special assistant at the US EPA during the Clinton Administration. He is a graduate of Harvard College, the University of Cambridge, and Harvard Law School. He writes a blog at http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/palfrey/.
Charles Palmer
Partner, Fu Sheng Interactive (Hong Kong)10:30 22/09/11 - CEO Panel: Next generation gaming products:
[show/hide bio]Charles is a Partner at Fu Sheng Interactive (www.fushengi.com) a Chinese venture capital and technology brokerage company focused on high-growth sectors in Asia, including mobile gaming, social media, console gaming and lottery technologies.
Charles also recently joined H2 Mobile (H2 Gambling Capital) to provide mobile specific consultancy services and strategy for its clients. H2 Mobile is positioned to be the leading mobile consultancy business for the gambling sector. Charles, using his wealth of experience in mobile, will advise companies on opportunities presented by new device technologies and assist in developing strategies to allow businesses to benefit from disruptive trends.
Prior to this in 2002 Charles co-founded Mfuse the leading mobile gambling technology company.
Charles also recently joined H2 Mobile (H2 Gambling Capital) to provide mobile specific consultancy services and strategy for its clients. H2 Mobile is positioned to be the leading mobile consultancy business for the gambling sector. Charles, using his wealth of experience in mobile, will advise companies on opportunities presented by new device technologies and assist in developing strategies to allow businesses to benefit from disruptive trends.
Prior to this in 2002 Charles co-founded Mfuse the leading mobile gambling technology company.
Roger Parkes
Head of Regulatory Compliance, Betfair, UK14:45 21/09/11 - Track One cont.:Regulations and taxation-preparing for your move into new markets
[show/hide bio]Roger Parkes has been involved in the gambling industry for over twenty years. He has been both regulator and operator in the remote and terrestrial sectors in areas including Australasia, Egypt, Greece, Alderney and the UK. He was closely involved in developing the risk-based compliance model for the New Zealand casino regulator, the regulatory testing of internet based gaming systems and also involved with developing the Alderney remote gaming standards.
Immediately prior to joining Betfair, Roger was a consultant to the UK Gambling Commission to assist them in developing the internet gambling regime. Roger joined Betfair in May 2007 where, as Head of Regulatory Compliance, he leads a team responsible for the compliance of an expanding portfolio of all Betfair’s products around the world.
Betfair was launched in June 2000 and is the world’s leading betting exchange. In its first month Betfair matched less than £50,000 of bets a week. Within a year that weekly figure had risen to over £1 million, and by August 2002 that passed £50 million. Since then Betfair has revolutionised the world of gambling and has expanded year on year. Betfair now has more than 2 million registered customers worldwide and handles an average 6.4 million transactions a day, more than all of Europe’s stock exchanges combined.
The main exchange is based in the UK, but there are also casino, poker, exchange games, multiples and TaiKai (tournaments) based in Malta. There is an Australian licence based in Tasmania offering bets on Australian markets and events, and licences in Austria and Germany. In addition, Betfair is licensed in Italy to take bets on Italian sporting events, holds a restricted e-gambling licence in Alderney, and owns TVG, an American pari-mutuel wagering business and TV channel which shows races on which its customers can wager.
William J. Pascrell III
Partner, Princeton Public Affairs Group12:00 22/09/11 - Track Two: Winning the most lucrative iGaming market there is- North America
[show/hide bio]With a prominent career in state and federal public affairs, William J. Pascrell, III, more commonly known as BPIII, is a lobbyist with the Princeton Public Affairs Group, Inc. (PPAG).
Along with his position at PPAG, BPIII has been the Passaic County Counsel since his unanimous appointment by the Passaic County Freeholder Board in 1998. BPIII was again unanimously re-appointed for a fourth term in 2007. As the County Counsel, BPIII has orchestrated the consolidation of the Office of Consumer Protection and the Office of Weights and Measures into one as well as amalgamating the County Adjusters Office in order to streamline and bring more efficiency to County government. He has also drafted Passaic County’s first Ethics Codes, which is the strongest in the state of New Jersey, by which the County abides.
In addition to his 2 major positions, BPIII served as a key insider and adviser to John Kerry’s National Presidential campaign. BPIII has also been an esteemed advisor to United States Senator and Governor Jon Corzine, United States Senator Frank Lautenberg, United State Senator Robert Menendez, Congressman Robert Roe, Herb Klein and Albio Sires as well as Governor James E. McGreevey. BPIII played an instrumental role in both McGreevey campaigns, one being McGreevey’s narrow defeat to Christine Todd Whitman in 1997 and the other is his landslide victory over Bret Schundler in 2001. He has previously served former Congressman Herb Klein and former Governor James J. Florio. As Congressman Klein’s Chief Counsel and Chief of Staff, BPIII coordinated programs helping constituents with problems ranging from IRS to Immigration to Small Business Loans to Veterans Benefits. Working closely with Congressman Klein, BPIII helped bring millions of dollars back to the 8th Congressional District of NJ as well as federal monies for President Clinton’s Americorp Program in Paterson, NJ through the NJ Community Development Corporation. On behalf of Congressman Klein, BPIII also worked with the Clinton administration to draft, pass, and implement the national program to put 100,000 police officers back on the streets of America. As Special Counsel to Governor Florio, BPIII aided in developing and implementing the $1 billion dollar New Jersey Economic Recovery Fund.
BPIII’s impressive education equipped him with the necessary skills and fundamentals enabling him to execute his positions with precision and credibility. BPIII commenced his undergraduate career at Rutgers University graduating Cum Laude from the Eagleton Institute of Politics and Public Administration. Seton Hall Law School awaited him next and prepared him for Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government Senior Executives in State Government Program. BPIII is a member of the bar in Washington, D.C., New Jersey and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. In 1991 BPIII was selected as a delegate to the American Council of Young Political Leaders exchange program to Hong Kong and China. In 1992 he was also a Leadership New Jersey fellow.
Along with these distinctions BPIII also serves on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Community Development Corporation, Habitat for Humanity, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the United Way of Passaic County. The political web site, PoliticsNJ, named BPIII in their Power List of top 100 political players in New Jersey. In 2003, NJBIZ magazine featured Bill in their annual Forty Under 40 edition. For the past 10 years, NJBIZ has recognized 40 young men and women for their outstanding contributions to the New Jersey Business Community. BPIII is the star of the weekly show “The Battling Bills” which is on every Sunday on Comcast CN8. He is also a regular political commentator on talk shows like “It’s Your Call” with Lynn Doyle, “Diner Politics” with Laura Jones, News 12’s “Power and Politics” and has participated in live Court TV Internet discussions. In 2005 BPIII was nominated for a Mid-Atlantic Emmy award for performance on the “Battling Bills” weekly national political show.
Along with his position at PPAG, BPIII has been the Passaic County Counsel since his unanimous appointment by the Passaic County Freeholder Board in 1998. BPIII was again unanimously re-appointed for a fourth term in 2007. As the County Counsel, BPIII has orchestrated the consolidation of the Office of Consumer Protection and the Office of Weights and Measures into one as well as amalgamating the County Adjusters Office in order to streamline and bring more efficiency to County government. He has also drafted Passaic County’s first Ethics Codes, which is the strongest in the state of New Jersey, by which the County abides.
In addition to his 2 major positions, BPIII served as a key insider and adviser to John Kerry’s National Presidential campaign. BPIII has also been an esteemed advisor to United States Senator and Governor Jon Corzine, United States Senator Frank Lautenberg, United State Senator Robert Menendez, Congressman Robert Roe, Herb Klein and Albio Sires as well as Governor James E. McGreevey. BPIII played an instrumental role in both McGreevey campaigns, one being McGreevey’s narrow defeat to Christine Todd Whitman in 1997 and the other is his landslide victory over Bret Schundler in 2001. He has previously served former Congressman Herb Klein and former Governor James J. Florio. As Congressman Klein’s Chief Counsel and Chief of Staff, BPIII coordinated programs helping constituents with problems ranging from IRS to Immigration to Small Business Loans to Veterans Benefits. Working closely with Congressman Klein, BPIII helped bring millions of dollars back to the 8th Congressional District of NJ as well as federal monies for President Clinton’s Americorp Program in Paterson, NJ through the NJ Community Development Corporation. On behalf of Congressman Klein, BPIII also worked with the Clinton administration to draft, pass, and implement the national program to put 100,000 police officers back on the streets of America. As Special Counsel to Governor Florio, BPIII aided in developing and implementing the $1 billion dollar New Jersey Economic Recovery Fund.
BPIII’s impressive education equipped him with the necessary skills and fundamentals enabling him to execute his positions with precision and credibility. BPIII commenced his undergraduate career at Rutgers University graduating Cum Laude from the Eagleton Institute of Politics and Public Administration. Seton Hall Law School awaited him next and prepared him for Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government Senior Executives in State Government Program. BPIII is a member of the bar in Washington, D.C., New Jersey and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. In 1991 BPIII was selected as a delegate to the American Council of Young Political Leaders exchange program to Hong Kong and China. In 1992 he was also a Leadership New Jersey fellow.
Along with these distinctions BPIII also serves on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Community Development Corporation, Habitat for Humanity, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the United Way of Passaic County. The political web site, PoliticsNJ, named BPIII in their Power List of top 100 political players in New Jersey. In 2003, NJBIZ magazine featured Bill in their annual Forty Under 40 edition. For the past 10 years, NJBIZ has recognized 40 young men and women for their outstanding contributions to the New Jersey Business Community. BPIII is the star of the weekly show “The Battling Bills” which is on every Sunday on Comcast CN8. He is also a regular political commentator on talk shows like “It’s Your Call” with Lynn Doyle, “Diner Politics” with Laura Jones, News 12’s “Power and Politics” and has participated in live Court TV Internet discussions. In 2005 BPIII was nominated for a Mid-Atlantic Emmy award for performance on the “Battling Bills” weekly national political show.
Marco Pinetti
Marketing Consultant, bwin.party Italy14:45 21/09/11 - Track Two cont.: Focus on the customer for improved player acquisition and retention
[show/hide bio]I work as an independent consultant for online customer acquisition and retention in several industries, such as cosmetics, wellness, electronics and, since 2008 (legalisation of poker in Italy), iGaming. Before in Gioco Digitale, then in bwin group and now in bwin.party, I helped the Italian branches of the group in building a marketing information system and then in adapting the group’s affiliation strategy to a regulated market. I’m now deploying this strategy on new (for the market) gaming products, such as casino and poker cash.
Michael Pollock
Managing Director, Spectrum Gaming Group12:45 22/09/11 - Securing your first-mover advantage – strategies implemented by global and North American players
12:00 22/09/11 - Track Two: Winning the most lucrative iGaming market there is- North America
[show/hide bio]Michael Pollock oversees all economic studies performed by Spectrum Gaming Group, including broad-scale impact studies for country, state and local governments, and feasibility studies for private-sector clients. His international work includes projects in Guam and Korea.
Pollock began analyzing the casino industry in New Jersey at its inception in 1978 and served as spokesman for the New Jersey Casino Control Commission from 1991 through 1996. He was a close advisor to the chair, and oversaw the Office of Legislative Liaison. During this period of rapid deregulation, his charge was to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the regulatory system.
Pollock is the author of the award-winning book, Hostage to Fortune: Atlantic City and Casino Gambling, published by the Center for Analysis of Public Issues in Princeton. This book examines the impact of casinos on Atlantic City and New Jersey.
He has testified on regulatory issues before the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Indian Gaming, and has been a featured speaker at the Congressional Gaming Caucus, a group of U.S. House of Representatives members from gaming jurisdictions. He has also testified before a variety of state legislative and regulatory committees on gaming matters in New Jersey, Indiana, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Illinois and Pennsylvania.
Pollock has won 20 journalism awards, and is the former editorial page editor of The Press of Atlantic City. Pollock is often cited by national media outlets, including the New York Times, Star-Ledger, BBC, ABC News and National Public Radio.
He earned his MBA, with high honors, from Rutgers University, and has served as a member of the adjunct faculty of both Rutgers University and Richard Stockton College.
Pollock began analyzing the casino industry in New Jersey at its inception in 1978 and served as spokesman for the New Jersey Casino Control Commission from 1991 through 1996. He was a close advisor to the chair, and oversaw the Office of Legislative Liaison. During this period of rapid deregulation, his charge was to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the regulatory system.
Pollock is the author of the award-winning book, Hostage to Fortune: Atlantic City and Casino Gambling, published by the Center for Analysis of Public Issues in Princeton. This book examines the impact of casinos on Atlantic City and New Jersey.
He has testified on regulatory issues before the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Indian Gaming, and has been a featured speaker at the Congressional Gaming Caucus, a group of U.S. House of Representatives members from gaming jurisdictions. He has also testified before a variety of state legislative and regulatory committees on gaming matters in New Jersey, Indiana, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Illinois and Pennsylvania.
Pollock has won 20 journalism awards, and is the former editorial page editor of The Press of Atlantic City. Pollock is often cited by national media outlets, including the New York Times, Star-Ledger, BBC, ABC News and National Public Radio.
He earned his MBA, with high honors, from Rutgers University, and has served as a member of the adjunct faculty of both Rutgers University and Richard Stockton College.
Jon Porter
President and CEO, the Porter Group LLC (former US Congressman)12:00 22/09/11 - Track Two: Winning the most lucrative iGaming market there is- North America
[show/hide bio]Former Congressman Jon Porter served nearly three decades as a public servant at the local, state and federal levels, including City Council Member and Mayor of Boulder City, Nevada, later as State Senator, and finally as a widely-respected Republican member of the US House of Representatives from Nevada's 3rd Congressional District. Porter served on numerous Committees while in the House, including powerful Ways and Means Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Budget Committee and the Education and Labor Committee.
In the private sector, Congressman Porter owned and operated his own $50m insurance business for over 20 years in Southern NV. After leaving Congress in 2009, he was the Director of Public Policy for one of the top 100 law firms in the U.S., Akerman Senterfitt, LLP. Currently Congressman Porter is the President and CEO of the international consulting firm, the Porter Group LLC, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas, NV.
In the private sector, Congressman Porter owned and operated his own $50m insurance business for over 20 years in Southern NV. After leaving Congress in 2009, he was the Director of Public Policy for one of the top 100 law firms in the U.S., Akerman Senterfitt, LLP. Currently Congressman Porter is the President and CEO of the international consulting firm, the Porter Group LLC, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas, NV.
Victor Rocha
Owner-Editor, Pechanga.net12:00 22/09/11 - Track Two: Winning the most lucrative iGaming market there is- North America
[show/hide bio]Victor Rocha is owner and editor of Pechanga.net, a leading source of Indian and gaming news on the Internet. Rocha has been involved in Indian gaming politics for more than 12 years and has earned numerous awards for his work, including the National Indian Gaming Association's 2002 Outstanding Contribution to Indian Country, VCAT's 2001 Catalyst Award, and recognizition as one of Global Gaming Business Magazine's "40 Under 40."
Francesco Rodano
Head of Remote Gaming, AAMS, Italy15:45 21/09/11 - Comparing regulatory and tax models and sharing best practice in regulating iGaming in global markets to create sustainable industry that serves consumers, states and businesses
[show/hide bio]Francesco, born in Rome in 1970, is head of remote gaming and head of the Director-General’s staff at AAMS (Italy’s regulatory body).
Francesco has a degree in statistics and, early on in his career, he began working for a publishing house, with a focus on technology. He subsequently specialised in business to business marketing, holding different positions in private companies (two of them within The Economist and Allianz groups respectively), but always keeping an eye on the “eBusiness” side.
In 2001, Francesco co-directed a series of books dedicated to the (then “trendy”) net-economy and served as the CEO for a start-up software company.
In 2002, Francesco moved, as Marketing and Sales Director, to the Auditorium Parco della Musica (now the largest cultural centre in Europe hosting over 1,000 concerts and private events each year), where he also managed the fund raising.
In June 2006, Francesco began work at AAMS where, while directing the remote gaming department, he accomplished the regulation and launch of online poker and skill games.
Enrico Rusi
Web Operations Director, Cogetech15:00 20/09/11 - Italy in the spotlight – workshop in partnership with Business International
[show/hide bio]Coming soon.
Stefano Sbordoni
Partner & CEO, Studio Sbordoni, Italy15:45 21/09/11 - Comparing regulatory and tax models and sharing best practice in regulating iGaming in global markets to create sustainable industry that serves consumers, states and businesses
[show/hide bio]Stefano has an established and highly-qualified reputation in the Gaming and Betting industry in Italy, as well as internationally.
Stefano is an adjunct teacher at Italy’s Superior School of Economy and Finance, and has been teaching at the University of Malta to Italian gambling licensees.
In addition to being a consultant to AAMS (Autonomous Administration of the State Monopolies) on matters of administrative law related to the gambling and lotteries industry, Stefano is a consultant to many Italian and foreign leading gambling operators, most of whom are currently State licensees in Italy.
Stefano is an advisor to the majority of the Italian trade associations in the Gaming sector. In his multi-year experience, he has played a substantial role in the introduction of Bingo in Italy, in the re-organisation –including tenders- of the gambling licensing sector, in the privatisation of the instant and traditional Lotteries, in the marketing of new pool games and lottery networks in foreign countries.
His activity in the Gaming and Betting industry includes:
• Legal and business affairs advice and assistance in the Italian market
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Amicable resolution and management of disputes
• International arbitrations
• Joint-venture agreements
• Drafting law proposals on Gaming and Betting
• Handling relations between main players and governmental agencies in introducing and utilising property rights on Games and Lotteries
• Studies and research on new games projects (betting, lotteries, pool games). Technical and legal advice to all major gaming licensees in Italy and abroad.
Stefano has also been working on the harmonisation of Italy’s new Penal Code (articles 718-721 on games of chance) with the existing gaming regulations (statutes and decrees), and on a project promoted by CNEL (National Counsel of Economy and Labour) and by Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato for the drafting and adoption of white papers on gaming in Italy.
Stefano has spoken at many important conferences on Gaming and Betting worldwide (ERA, EIG, EGB, Betmarkets, etc.) and in Italy, organised by governmental agencies and AAMS. He is the author of the chapter on Italy in the last two editions of the Internet Gambling Report. He has been published by the Academy of European Law and is the author of “A Guide to the Laws and Rules on Gaming and Betting” and “The System of Governmental Concessions and Authorizations for Gaming and Betting: Laws and Regulations”.
Stefano is an adjunct teacher at Italy’s Superior School of Economy and Finance, and has been teaching at the University of Malta to Italian gambling licensees.
In addition to being a consultant to AAMS (Autonomous Administration of the State Monopolies) on matters of administrative law related to the gambling and lotteries industry, Stefano is a consultant to many Italian and foreign leading gambling operators, most of whom are currently State licensees in Italy.
Stefano is an advisor to the majority of the Italian trade associations in the Gaming sector. In his multi-year experience, he has played a substantial role in the introduction of Bingo in Italy, in the re-organisation –including tenders- of the gambling licensing sector, in the privatisation of the instant and traditional Lotteries, in the marketing of new pool games and lottery networks in foreign countries.
His activity in the Gaming and Betting industry includes:
• Legal and business affairs advice and assistance in the Italian market
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Amicable resolution and management of disputes
• International arbitrations
• Joint-venture agreements
• Drafting law proposals on Gaming and Betting
• Handling relations between main players and governmental agencies in introducing and utilising property rights on Games and Lotteries
• Studies and research on new games projects (betting, lotteries, pool games). Technical and legal advice to all major gaming licensees in Italy and abroad.
Stefano has also been working on the harmonisation of Italy’s new Penal Code (articles 718-721 on games of chance) with the existing gaming regulations (statutes and decrees), and on a project promoted by CNEL (National Counsel of Economy and Labour) and by Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato for the drafting and adoption of white papers on gaming in Italy.
Stefano has spoken at many important conferences on Gaming and Betting worldwide (ERA, EIG, EGB, Betmarkets, etc.) and in Italy, organised by governmental agencies and AAMS. He is the author of the chapter on Italy in the last two editions of the Internet Gambling Report. He has been published by the Academy of European Law and is the author of “A Guide to the Laws and Rules on Gaming and Betting” and “The System of Governmental Concessions and Authorizations for Gaming and Betting: Laws and Regulations”.
Patrik Selin
CEO, Bodog12:30 21/09/11 - Track Three: Securing a competitive edge in your vertical
[show/hide bio]Patrik Selin, CEO of the Bodog Network & Bodog Europe, is one of the pioneers of the online poker industry and is once again changing the business model for the industry by rethinking rakeback and data mining in a bid to bring the fun back to online poker. The Bodog Poker Network will launch later this year.
Patrik was President & CEO of Ongame, where he oversaw the sale of the business to BWin for 500,000,000, still the biggest acquisition deal in the online gambling world. At Ongame, Patrik made a number of decisions to make the company more transparent and fair; he introduced responsible gaming and he initiated annual reporting by stock market standards despite being privately owned.
Patrik Selin loves poker and has played in a number of major events, including EPT, WPT, and WSOP. He finished in the money in the WSOP Main Event in 2006, and he has reached two televised final tables in Europe.
Patrik is the only CEO of a major online poker business that regularly plays on the world poker circuit and believes this is the best place to fully hear what the players want and, more importantly, what they don’t want.
Patrik was President & CEO of Ongame, where he oversaw the sale of the business to BWin for 500,000,000, still the biggest acquisition deal in the online gambling world. At Ongame, Patrik made a number of decisions to make the company more transparent and fair; he introduced responsible gaming and he initiated annual reporting by stock market standards despite being privately owned.
Patrik Selin loves poker and has played in a number of major events, including EPT, WPT, and WSOP. He finished in the money in the WSOP Main Event in 2006, and he has reached two televised final tables in Europe.
Patrik is the only CEO of a major online poker business that regularly plays on the world poker circuit and believes this is the best place to fully hear what the players want and, more importantly, what they don’t want.
Magnus Silfverberg
CEO, Betsson13:30 20/09/11 - CEO Panel: Global vs. local and niche players – identifying the future’s winners in the newly regulated, consolidating and increasingly localised iGaming market
[show/hide bio]Magnus graduated with an MSc in Economics from the Stockholm School of Economics, and an MBA from INSEAD.
He started his career at Accenture as a Strategy Consultant for 2 years, before moving to Frontville, an ASP company, as co-founder and CEO for 4 years.
Magnus then spent 5 years with HP as Sales Director and Director of Outsourcing Services in Sweden, before entering the gaming industry in late 2009 as CEO of Betsson Malta Ltd. In July 2011 he took on the responsibility as Group CEO and President of Betsson.
He started his career at Accenture as a Strategy Consultant for 2 years, before moving to Frontville, an ASP company, as co-founder and CEO for 4 years.
Magnus then spent 5 years with HP as Sales Director and Director of Outsourcing Services in Sweden, before entering the gaming industry in late 2009 as CEO of Betsson Malta Ltd. In July 2011 he took on the responsibility as Group CEO and President of Betsson.
Reshma Sohoni
Partner, Seedcamp15:00 20/09/11 - Start-Up LaunchPad
[show/hide bio]As Partner, Reshma co-manages Seedcamp. Her investment focus is on B2B, Fashion, Gaming, Travel, and Financial Services.
Reshma helped found Seedcamp in 2007. During her tenure, she has managed companies like Mobclix (acquired by Velti), Zemanta, and Ubervu. Reshma was also on the board of Zoombu before it was acquired by Skyscanner and advises Launch48.
She joined Seedcamp from the Venture team at 3i. Prior to 3i, Reshma spent over 3 years at Vodafone in their Commercial Strategy team, working across the Europe and Japan footprints in marketing strategy and pricing functions. Her venture capital career started with eVentures India where she actively supported companies like Make My Trip (NASDAQ – MMYT), Contest2Win, and Clubgreetings. Reshma started her career in the US in investment banking with Broadview (now part of Jefferies).
She has a MBA from INSEAD and dual undergraduate degrees in Engineering and Business from the University of Pennsylvania.
She is also on the Advisory Board of Credo Ventures and the European Board of All Hands a non-profit organization that provides hands-on assistance to survivors of natural disasters around the world.
In the limited to none spare time, Reshma enjoys having a laugh with friends and family; seasonal adrenalized sports, and pretending to cook.
Reshma helped found Seedcamp in 2007. During her tenure, she has managed companies like Mobclix (acquired by Velti), Zemanta, and Ubervu. Reshma was also on the board of Zoombu before it was acquired by Skyscanner and advises Launch48.
She joined Seedcamp from the Venture team at 3i. Prior to 3i, Reshma spent over 3 years at Vodafone in their Commercial Strategy team, working across the Europe and Japan footprints in marketing strategy and pricing functions. Her venture capital career started with eVentures India where she actively supported companies like Make My Trip (NASDAQ – MMYT), Contest2Win, and Clubgreetings. Reshma started her career in the US in investment banking with Broadview (now part of Jefferies).
She has a MBA from INSEAD and dual undergraduate degrees in Engineering and Business from the University of Pennsylvania.
She is also on the Advisory Board of Credo Ventures and the European Board of All Hands a non-profit organization that provides hands-on assistance to survivors of natural disasters around the world.
In the limited to none spare time, Reshma enjoys having a laugh with friends and family; seasonal adrenalized sports, and pretending to cook.
Joakim Stockman
Online Manager, Nordic Gaming Group16:30 21/09/11 - Website launch case study: Personalising your marketing approach to appeal better to your internet savvy customer
[show/hide bio]From Stockholm, Sweden, 31 years old, he has been working with internet marketing since 2000. Joakim Stockman joined Nordic Gaming Group in 2006 and since he has been head of poker marketing, head of marketing communications. He is currently responsible for all customer facing interfaces of NGG's digital platforms.
Razmus Svenningson
Head of Social Media Strategies and Operations, Betsson Group15:45 21/09/11 - Successfully implementing social media monitoring tools in your customer management to identify potential brand risks and to improve your product offer
[show/hide bio]Mr. Razmus Svenningson is the social strategist of Betsson Group / Betsafe.com. Mr Svenningson is working with social media and new technology implementation and direction through strategies to the internal social media group but also to integrate social media horizontally within the organization. Betsafe is a company that is young, creative and is often mentioned as one of the earliest adopters in social media within the igaming industry in Europe. Earlier this year Mr Svenningson spoke at iGaming Asia in Macao.
Prior to Betsafe / Betsson Group Mr. Svenningson was running a communications consultant company where he worked with clients such as IKEA China, Russia, Germany, USA and Global. During his time as a consultant Svenningson started two brands and companies within the retail industry where he mainly focused on business development, supply chain and brand/marketing.
Mr Svenningson has a degree from Växjö University in Sweden and a major in informatics and media communications. In his thesis he worked closely together with IKEA to create an information system to support and innovate IKEA’s expatriate processes.
Prior to Betsafe / Betsson Group Mr. Svenningson was running a communications consultant company where he worked with clients such as IKEA China, Russia, Germany, USA and Global. During his time as a consultant Svenningson started two brands and companies within the retail industry where he mainly focused on business development, supply chain and brand/marketing.
Mr Svenningson has a degree from Växjö University in Sweden and a major in informatics and media communications. In his thesis he worked closely together with IKEA to create an information system to support and innovate IKEA’s expatriate processes.
Antonio Tagliaferri
Games Division Director, Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato (AAMS)13:10 20/09/11 - Opening address
[show/hide bio]Antonio Tagliaferri, born in 1950, graduated with a law degree from University "La Sapienza" of Rome in 1973, and obtained the qualification to practice law by passing the exams at the Court of appeals in Rome. He also obtained teaching qualifications in law, economics and worked as a notary.
He held various public administration positions, including roles in the office of the Prime Minister, in the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Interior and other commissions.
Antonio Tagliaferri is author of several articles on the subject of legal and economic treatment of civil servants with particular reference to the new institutions resulting from the privatization of employment issues and recruitment of human resources.
He was appointed General Manager, former C-level, in October 2000, to assume the responsibilities of the Managing Director for General Affairs within the Ministry of Finance, position he held until September 2001.
From October 2001 he was the Director of Resource Management of the Fiscal Department and from August 2002 he held the position of the Managing Director for General Affairs and Personnel of the Autonomous Administration of the State Monopolies (AAMS).
From December 2002 to May 2008 Mr. Tagliaferri was Licensing Director at AAMS, which is today’s Department for the Games, in charge of all activities related to the planning and management of gaming in Italy, relationship with the parliamentary, government and international institutions, and licensing.
From May 2008 to August 2008 Mr.Tagliaferri was Director General at the Department of Finance, Ministry of Economy and Finance – in charge of human resources.
Since September 2008 Mr. Tagliaferri has been the Director General for Strategies the Autonomous Administration of the State Monopolies (AAMS), and the interim Director of the Games Division.
He held various public administration positions, including roles in the office of the Prime Minister, in the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Interior and other commissions.
Antonio Tagliaferri is author of several articles on the subject of legal and economic treatment of civil servants with particular reference to the new institutions resulting from the privatization of employment issues and recruitment of human resources.
He was appointed General Manager, former C-level, in October 2000, to assume the responsibilities of the Managing Director for General Affairs within the Ministry of Finance, position he held until September 2001.
From October 2001 he was the Director of Resource Management of the Fiscal Department and from August 2002 he held the position of the Managing Director for General Affairs and Personnel of the Autonomous Administration of the State Monopolies (AAMS).
From December 2002 to May 2008 Mr. Tagliaferri was Licensing Director at AAMS, which is today’s Department for the Games, in charge of all activities related to the planning and management of gaming in Italy, relationship with the parliamentary, government and international institutions, and licensing.
From May 2008 to August 2008 Mr.Tagliaferri was Director General at the Department of Finance, Ministry of Economy and Finance – in charge of human resources.
Since September 2008 Mr. Tagliaferri has been the Director General for Strategies the Autonomous Administration of the State Monopolies (AAMS), and the interim Director of the Games Division.
Shahar Tamari
VP, Head of ePayments, 888 Holdings16:45 21/09/11 - Payments in regulated and regulating markets
[show/hide bio]Shahar Tamari and is responsible for ePayments globally in 888. This includes the business relations with the acquiring banks and all other payment services providers, the new requirements and features of the ePayments, as well as for the R&D of the payments platform. He has a strong background, of more than a decade, in the financial industry. Before joining 888, 2.5 years ago, Shahar worked for banks and was one of the pioneers in online, mobile banking and ecommerce in the banking industry.
Shahar holds a bachelor's degree in finance and M.Sc. in management of information systems.
Shahar holds a bachelor's degree in finance and M.Sc. in management of information systems.
Nicola Tani
Vice President, AgiproNews15:00 20/09/11 - Italy in the spotlight – workshop in partnership with Business International
[show/hide bio]Coming soon.
John Taylor
Chairman, Twin River Casino12:45 22/09/11 - Securing your first-mover advantage – strategies implemented by global and North American players
[show/hide bio]John Taylor is an industry veteran with deep executive-level experience with a particular focus on strategy development and evolving public policy matters in the gambling industry. He is currently the Chairman of the Twin River Board of Directors, representing the ownership group in overseeing management of Twin River Casino, Rhode Island’s premiere gaming and entertainment venue with over 4,700 slot machines.
Beginning in 2007 until the Company was sold, Mr. Taylor served as CEO of GameLogic Inc, an Internet based marketing and promotions company for the US regulated gambling industry. GameLogic provides US lotteries and casinos with innovative strategies and technologies to engage with their players on-line to drive on-property/at retail spend, but as importantly to facilitate on-line player engagement in anticipation of the liberalization of US gaming laws. The Company was sold to Scientific Games Corporation (Nasdaq: SGMS) in August of 2010.
Prior to joining GameLogic, Mr. Taylor was managing partner of SnowMark Corporation, an early stage venture capital firm, where he was the principal liaison with SnowMark's portfolio companies.
Before SnowMark, Mr. Taylor spent nearly 10 years at GTECH Corporation, the leading provider of lottery services to governments around the world. During his tenure, he founded and was CEO of its gaming and entertainment subsidiary, which owned pari-mutuel facilities; operated racinos and Native American casinos; and provided a variety of technology for government sponsored video gaming operations. He simultaneously served as a Vice President and member of the executive management committee of GTECH Holdings Corporation. Prior to GTECH, Mr. Taylor served the Special Assistant to the Governor of Rhode Island, a senior staff position within the governor’s office.
Mr. Taylor, a native of Pawtucket, RI, graduated from Rhode Island College with a Bachelor of Science degree. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Rhode Island College Foundation.
Beginning in 2007 until the Company was sold, Mr. Taylor served as CEO of GameLogic Inc, an Internet based marketing and promotions company for the US regulated gambling industry. GameLogic provides US lotteries and casinos with innovative strategies and technologies to engage with their players on-line to drive on-property/at retail spend, but as importantly to facilitate on-line player engagement in anticipation of the liberalization of US gaming laws. The Company was sold to Scientific Games Corporation (Nasdaq: SGMS) in August of 2010.
Prior to joining GameLogic, Mr. Taylor was managing partner of SnowMark Corporation, an early stage venture capital firm, where he was the principal liaison with SnowMark's portfolio companies.
Before SnowMark, Mr. Taylor spent nearly 10 years at GTECH Corporation, the leading provider of lottery services to governments around the world. During his tenure, he founded and was CEO of its gaming and entertainment subsidiary, which owned pari-mutuel facilities; operated racinos and Native American casinos; and provided a variety of technology for government sponsored video gaming operations. He simultaneously served as a Vice President and member of the executive management committee of GTECH Holdings Corporation. Prior to GTECH, Mr. Taylor served the Special Assistant to the Governor of Rhode Island, a senior staff position within the governor’s office.
Mr. Taylor, a native of Pawtucket, RI, graduated from Rhode Island College with a Bachelor of Science degree. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Rhode Island College Foundation.
Norbert Teufelberger
Co-CEO, bwin.party digital entertainment, Austria13:30 20/09/11 - CEO Panel: Global vs. local and niche players – identifying the future’s winners in the newly regulated, consolidating and increasingly localised iGaming market
[show/hide bio]Norbert Teufelberger has been involved in the national and international casino and betting business since 1989. He occupied key positions with Casinos Austria, was a consultant to the Novomatic Group of companies and co founded a land based casino company currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and on the Prime Market of the Vienna Stock Exchange. He joined bwin Interactive Entertainment AG (‘bwin’) in September 1999 and was instrumental in drawing up the initial business plan of the company and the subsequent structuring and preparation for its public listing. He was appointed to the Executive Board of bwin on 19 January 2000, being initially responsible for finance, administration and operations. He was appointed Co CEO of bwin at the beginning of June 2001. Outside the Group, Norbert Teufelberger is also chairman of the Supervisory Board of the European Gaming and Betting Association. He holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Economics and Business Administration in Vienna.
Marc Thomas
Head of Sportsbook, Sportingbet, UK16:00 21/09/11 - Transforming your sportsbook into a more cost-efficient and automated operation to take advantage of further advancements in live betting and risk management tools
[show/hide bio]Marc Thomas is the Head of Sportsbook at Sportingbet plc and has been at the FTSE listed operator since 2008. Marc has spent his entire career working within the betting and gaming sector and with over 10 years experience within Sportsbooks and eGaming could be considered an industry veteran.
Prior to joining Sportingbet he spent over 10 years with William Hill in a number of roles and divisions including Business Development, Operations and Telephone Betting. He was also one of original team who launched the William Hill online service in 2000.
After leaving William Hill in 2005, Marc has held senior positions for Betfair, 888 and has also worked on a number of start ups within the eGaming, betting and related sectors.
Marc believes passionately in sport, betting and eGaming and tries to place a bet at least once a day.
Prior to joining Sportingbet he spent over 10 years with William Hill in a number of roles and divisions including Business Development, Operations and Telephone Betting. He was also one of original team who launched the William Hill online service in 2000.
After leaving William Hill in 2005, Marc has held senior positions for Betfair, 888 and has also worked on a number of start ups within the eGaming, betting and related sectors.
Marc believes passionately in sport, betting and eGaming and tries to place a bet at least once a day.
Marco Tiso
Digital Games Business Manager, SISAL15:00 20/09/11 - Italy in the spotlight – workshop in partnership with Business International
[show/hide bio]Coming soon.
Jens von Bahr
CEO, Evolution Gaming13:30 20/09/11 - CEO Panel: Global vs. local and niche players – identifying the future’s winners in the newly regulated, consolidating and increasingly localised iGaming market
[show/hide bio]As CEO of Evolution Gaming, Jens has been at the helm of the company's successes since it launched in 2006, negotiating partnerships with many of the biggest names in the online gaming industry. Under his direction, Evolution Gaming has revolutionised the European 'live casino' platform, turning a niche product into a 'must have' for gaming operators. His passionate belief in the use of innovative technologies to drive business success has firmly established Evolution Gaming as the pioneer and leader in video-streamed live dealer gaming.
David Wainwright
CEO, Top Hat Apps15:00 20/09/11 - Start-Up LaunchPad
[show/hide bio]Coming soon.
Ralf Wenzel
COO, Skrill Holdings16:45 21/09/11 - Payments in regulated and regulating markets
[show/hide bio]Ralf Wenzel joined Skrill in December 2007 and serves as Chief Operating Officer. He oversees all sales and account management activities, customer and merchant services and is also responsible for all banking and payment partnerships. Prior to joining Skrill, Ralf was Senior Vice President Sales and Business Development at Jamba GmbH (a VeriSign/NewsCorp company) where he was responsible for all worldwide sales, business development and account management initiatives. Key achievements while at Jamba included major partnerships with global brands such as MTV, Vodafone and Nokia. Ralf holds a graduate degree in Information Technology and graduated with highest honours from Berlin University.
Graham White
Chairman, Jersey Gambling Commission14:45 21/09/11 - Track One cont.:Regulations and taxation-preparing for your move into new markets
[show/hide bio]After a 17 year career as a Commissioned Officer in British Army and Sultan of Muscat Armed Forces, Graham joined the Gaming Board for Great Britain in 1983. In 1996 he became Chief Inspector, a post he held until 2005 after the Gaming Board became the Gambling Commission. During his time as Chief Inspector, Graham was Co-chair of the Technical Committee of the Gaming Regulators European Forum; a Member of the Financial Fraud Information Network; a Member of the Joint Action Group on Organised Crime and visiting lecturer to the Universities of Las Vegas and Salford on gaming legislation. Graham is a member of the International Masters of Gaming Law.
In January 2006 Graham was appointed as Special Adviser on Gambling Regulation to the Minister for Economic Development and shortly after asked to Chair the then shadow Jersey Gambling Commission. Formally appointed by the States, Graham’s term of office lasts until 2015.
In January 2006 Graham was appointed as Special Adviser on Gambling Regulation to the Minister for Economic Development and shortly after asked to Chair the then shadow Jersey Gambling Commission. Formally appointed by the States, Graham’s term of office lasts until 2015.
Andre Wilsenach
CEO, Alderney Gambling Control Commission, Alderney, Channel Islands14:45 21/09/11 - Track One cont.:Regulations and taxation-preparing for your move into new markets
[show/hide bio]Andre has been the CEO of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, since 2002. This is an independent and non-political regulatory authority in the Channel Islands, established to license and regulate interactive gaming and betting in Alderney. Andre also renders advice and support services to the Guernsey Gambling Control Commission, which is a separate body established to license and regulate terrestrial casino gaming in Guernsey.
Andre is an economist by training and worked for the Africa Institute of South Africa, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and Ernst &Young, South Africa from 1982 to 1994.
In 1994, Andre was appointed as a member of the Commission that investigated and recommended the legalisation of gambling in South Africa.
During the period 1995 to 2000, Andre was the CEO of one of the South African provincial gaming boards and a member of the National Gambling Board of South Africa.
In 2001, Andre was appointed as the CEO of Zonke Monitoring Services, a private company established to render electronic monitoring services to the National Gambling Board of South Africa.
Andre is a member of the International Masters of Gaming Law, the Steering Committee of the International Association of Gaming Regulators, the Gaming Regulators European Forum and former Chairman of the Southern African Gambling Regulators Association.
Andre is an economist by training and worked for the Africa Institute of South Africa, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and Ernst &Young, South Africa from 1982 to 1994.
In 1994, Andre was appointed as a member of the Commission that investigated and recommended the legalisation of gambling in South Africa.
During the period 1995 to 2000, Andre was the CEO of one of the South African provincial gaming boards and a member of the National Gambling Board of South Africa.
In 2001, Andre was appointed as the CEO of Zonke Monitoring Services, a private company established to render electronic monitoring services to the National Gambling Board of South Africa.
Andre is a member of the International Masters of Gaming Law, the Steering Committee of the International Association of Gaming Regulators, the Gaming Regulators European Forum and former Chairman of the Southern African Gambling Regulators Association.
Peter G. Wray
Managing Director, PGW Ltd.12:30 21/09/11 - Track Two: Focusing on the customer for improved player acquisition and retention
[show/hide bio]Peter G Wray is the founder and Chairman of loyaltymatters.com. Loyalty matters is a an independent customer loyalty that focuses on customer insight capability functionality that well designed loyalty programs can deliver for consumers and supplier organizations. He has extensive experience in the design, development, project management, launch and profitable operation of these Programs around the world. He has strategic, tactical, operational and IT expertise across all aspects of Consumer Loyalty Programs and Insight. Regarded as a global expert on best practice customer loyalty marketing initiatives.
He has worked with many leading large Loyalty Schemes in Europe, USA, Canada, Japan, India, South Africa, and the Middle East. Clients projects in the last 5 years have included companies such as American Express, Chevron Europe, Toshiba Europe, Oracle EMEA, Philips, Kodak, Konzum supermarkets Croatia, Zen Nisshoku Japan, Warwick International Hotels Hong Kong, Vodafone India, BP UK, CS Bank CZ Rep, Meteor Mobile Ireland, SEB Bank Latvia, Loyalty One Canada, Javelin UK, Boden UK and Achievement Awards Group South Africa. Peter is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops on the subject of loyalty and relationship marketing and a regular contributor to specialist media on the subject of customer loyalty and consumer insight strategy.
He has worked with many leading large Loyalty Schemes in Europe, USA, Canada, Japan, India, South Africa, and the Middle East. Clients projects in the last 5 years have included companies such as American Express, Chevron Europe, Toshiba Europe, Oracle EMEA, Philips, Kodak, Konzum supermarkets Croatia, Zen Nisshoku Japan, Warwick International Hotels Hong Kong, Vodafone India, BP UK, CS Bank CZ Rep, Meteor Mobile Ireland, SEB Bank Latvia, Loyalty One Canada, Javelin UK, Boden UK and Achievement Awards Group South Africa. Peter is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops on the subject of loyalty and relationship marketing and a regular contributor to specialist media on the subject of customer loyalty and consumer insight strategy.
Matti Zinder
Managing Partner and CEO, Spiral Solutions/Spin3, Spin314:45 21/09/11 - Track Three cont.: Securing a competitive edge in your vertical
[show/hide bio]Matti Zinder is the founder and CEO of Spiral Solutions Ltd., a leader in online gaming business solutions, established in 1999. Foreseeing the great potential of interactive gaming, Matti Zinder established Spin³, a division of Spiral Solutions, in 2003. Spin³ is today credited with developing and rolling out one of the leading mobile gambling solutions worldwide.
Spin³ won the ME’s “Best Gambling Systems Company” award in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, Spin³ was presented with Juniper’s Future Mobile Award, gold medal in the “Mobile Gambling” category. In 2009, Spin³ received the Mobile Content Gold Award in the “Best Mobile Game and Gambling Service” category as well as the Silver award for “Most Innovative Business Model” and in 2010 it was selected as the Mobile supplier of the year at the EGR B2B Awards.
In 2009, Spin3 became the first specialized mobile gambling provider to earn the software accreditation seal from eCOGRA. The official approval ensures that the development, implementation, maintenance and security of Spin3's mobile games portfolio and back-office systems are representative of industry best practice standards.
Matti was recently named one of the 50 most important individuals in mobile content worldwide by a respected and leading wireless industry publication. He is a leading voice and authority in the area of mobile gaming, and has served as a keynote speaker at many international wireless industry symposiums and conferences, including the Mobile Entertainment Forum, Mobile Gambling Forum, MEM Asia, World Telemedia and the Asian i-Gaming conference and expo (AiG).
Spin³ won the ME’s “Best Gambling Systems Company” award in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, Spin³ was presented with Juniper’s Future Mobile Award, gold medal in the “Mobile Gambling” category. In 2009, Spin³ received the Mobile Content Gold Award in the “Best Mobile Game and Gambling Service” category as well as the Silver award for “Most Innovative Business Model” and in 2010 it was selected as the Mobile supplier of the year at the EGR B2B Awards.
In 2009, Spin3 became the first specialized mobile gambling provider to earn the software accreditation seal from eCOGRA. The official approval ensures that the development, implementation, maintenance and security of Spin3's mobile games portfolio and back-office systems are representative of industry best practice standards.
Matti was recently named one of the 50 most important individuals in mobile content worldwide by a respected and leading wireless industry publication. He is a leading voice and authority in the area of mobile gaming, and has served as a keynote speaker at many international wireless industry symposiums and conferences, including the Mobile Entertainment Forum, Mobile Gambling Forum, MEM Asia, World Telemedia and the Asian i-Gaming conference and expo (AiG).
Oliver Zugel
CEO, Spring City Finance13:30 20/09/11 - CEO Panel: Global vs. local and niche players – identifying the future’s winners in the newly regulated, consolidating and increasingly localised iGaming market
[show/hide bio]Oliver Zugel is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Spring City Finance Ltd (SCF), an international strategy and M&A advisory firm specialising in gaming.
Prior to SCF, Oliver was Chief Executive Officer of Grup Peralada and Chief Operating Officer of Codere S.A., two of the largest international gaming groups in Southern Europe with major operations in over ten countries including traditional and electronic casinos, bingos, slot parlours, slot route operations, sports betting, and racinos. SCF has advised leading operators and institutional investors on major transactions in Europe and South America, both in the offline and online space.
Oliver's original background is in strategy consulting, where he was Managing Partner at Michael Porter's Monitor Group, and holds a First Class Honours Degree from London School of Economics.
Prior to SCF, Oliver was Chief Executive Officer of Grup Peralada and Chief Operating Officer of Codere S.A., two of the largest international gaming groups in Southern Europe with major operations in over ten countries including traditional and electronic casinos, bingos, slot parlours, slot route operations, sports betting, and racinos. SCF has advised leading operators and institutional investors on major transactions in Europe and South America, both in the offline and online space.
Oliver's original background is in strategy consulting, where he was Managing Partner at Michael Porter's Monitor Group, and holds a First Class Honours Degree from London School of Economics.
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