Opinion Disclaimer:
A note from the editor
What an Evening!!!
Lana Thompson - Editor
Special WIG Diversity Winners Edition
Welcome to the latest edition of the Infinity Gaming Magazine and also the special feature of the 2025 Women in Gaming Diversity Awards, and what a night it was on the 5th June at the Savoy Hotel.
Another packed event, which sold out weeks before the evening and to which we will be moving to a much larger space at the Savoy for 2026 to accommodate the ever growing event.
Firstly on the evening we had a truly inspiring keynote speech from one of our own Ciara Nic Liam the Managing Director of Gaming at Entain. Ciara has been to the WIG for over ten years, so knows the event more than most. For you in the room who listened it was the perfect introduction to what the event is all about and Ciara’s content resonated with each and everyone, well done Ciara you a star of our industry.
Of course the winners on the evening are all truly inspiring themselves with their own stories and a particular person to mention among so many was the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution Award, Trisha Sauerbrei from Aristocrat, who has her own amazing story, congratulation Trisha.
The WIG is of course is not possible without the support of our great sponsors, this year they are Digitain, Pronet Gaming, Betsson Group, Bally’s, Arrise, Playtech, Relax Gaming, IGT, Gamomat, Greentube, Light & Wonder and not least Soft2Bet.
We are so proud that many companies now see the WIG Diversity as an important event and we hope to see even more take part and support for 2026.
Well done to all the winners and indeed finalists, you are all stars, the stories you gave to reach the WIG are so many and varied, Ciara said it best in her closing speech, “Can I really do this? The Answer is Yes.”
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IOM Online Gaming Company Linked to Global Crime
An online gaming firm based in the Isle of Man has been implicated in a significant report concerning transnational crime, the report highlights the company’s alleged connections to fraudulent operations in Cambodia.
In March of this year, law enforcement officials conducted a raid on the offices of Amiga Entertainment Ltd and Ableton Prestige Limited, located on Ridgeway Street in Douglas. This operation was part of a broader investigation into extensive international money laundering activities. During the raid, two individuals were taken into custody but were later released on police bail.
The Isle of Man Constabulary confirmed that the operation was linked to a large-scale investigation into money laundering, which has become a pressing issue in the region. The implications of this investigation extend beyond local concerns, as the
findings have now been included in a report published by the Humanity Research Council.
The Humanity Research Council Report
The report, released this month, categorizes Amiga Entertainment as a participant in what it describes as “state-abetted transnational crime” in Cambodia. An appendix within the report lists 28 individuals purportedly connected to scam operations, including Chen Xiuling, who is identified as a director of Amiga Entertainment and Prince Real Estate in Taiwan.
Jacob Sims, the report’s author and an advisor to various governmental and non-governmental organizations focused on transnational crime, emphasizes the need for accountability measures against those involved in these illicit activities. He notes that interviewees for the study have called for indictments, sanctions, and visa bans for individuals linked to Cam -
bodia’s human trafficking and scam industry.
The Role of Prince Holding Group
Prince Real Estate, associated with Amiga Entertainment, is part of the Prince Holding Group, one of Cambodia’s largest conglomerates. Despite the serious allegations, Prince Holding Group has publicly denied any involvement in the scamming industry, asserting that the claims are unfounded.
The report underscores the growth of transnational organized cybercrime, which has emerged as one of the most rapidly expanding and dangerous illegal industries globally. Criminal networks are reportedly trafficking individuals from over 70 countries, compelling them to work in scam compounds that execute sophisticated fraud schemes targeting victims worldwide.
Macau’s Gaming Revenue Rises to $2.62 Billion in May
Macau has reported an increase in its gross gaming revenue (GGR) for May 2025, reaching MOP21.19 billion (approximately $2.62 billion). This figure marks a 12.38% rise compared to the previous month.
The data released by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) indicates that May’s GGR shows a strong month-on-month growth but also signifies a 5% increase when juxtaposed with the same month in 2024.
A key factor contributing to this rise
was the Labor Day Golden Week, which spanned from May 1st to May 5th. During this period, Macau welcomed nearly 850,034 visitors, significantly boosting foot traffic in casinos and entertainment venues. The influx of tourists during this holiday week played a crucial role in driving revenue growth.
As of the end of May 2025, Macau’s total GGR for the first five months stands at MOP97.7 billion (around $12.1 billion). This figure represents a modest increase of 1.7% compared to the same timeframe last year. However, it still lags behind the
pre-pandemic levels of 2019, where the GGR for the same period reached MOP125.6 billion (approximately $15.5 billion).
The current figures indicate that, aside from January, Macau’s monthly GGR has consistently shown an upward trend compared to 2024. This trend raises optimism among industry stakeholders, who are hopeful for continued growth as the year progresses.
THE 2025 WIG DIVERSITY JUDGES
Meet the Industry professionals charged with deciding the winners for the 2025 Women in Gaming Diversity & Inclusion Awards
#WIG2025JUDGES #IWD2025 #WOMEINGAMING #WIGD2025
Dara D’Arcy Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Senior Manager Flutter
Jennifer Bowman Senior Director Marketing IGT
Amy Howe CEO FanDuel
Kimberley Broad CCO Games Global
Maria McDonald Partner Nordic Gambling
Sari Lichtik Head of Marketing & Communications Playtech
Cordelia Morgan – Cooper Founder CMC Consulting
Fiona Hickey Chief Business Officer Push Gaming
Mindset, Wellbeing & Mental Health Coach
Roderick Spiteri Schillig Head of Communications Betsson Group
Ciara Nic Liam Managing Director Gaming at Entain
Sally Mohamed Internationa Business Development – IGT
Aregnaz Hakobyan Group Chief Marketing Officer Digitain
Marija Hammon Marketing Director –Relax Gaming
Creative Director & Design Studio Manager at
Lisa Ventura MBE
Claire Osborne Vice President Interactive Inspired Entertainment
Emma Blaylock CEO Pretty Technical
Chu Yook Liew
Greentube
Mary Mendoza Managing Director – The Platinum Ltd
THE 2025 WIG DIVERSITY JUDGES
Thompson Director Clever Duck Media
Hamest Safaryan Regional Sales Team Manager at Digitain
The winners for the Women in Gaming Diversity & Inclusion Awards were announced on the 5th June 2025 at the iconic Savoy Hotel in London in support of deserving charities. Clever Duck Media would like to thank all our superb judges for their time and support.
The WIG Diversity & Inclusion Awards are sponsored by Digitain, Arrise, Bally’s, Pronet Gaming, Betsson Group, Playtech, Relax Gaming, IGT, Gamomat, Greentube, Light & Wonder & Soft2Bet.
Well done to all the finalists, winnersand their companies.
Lana
Dr. Alexandra Krone Managing Director Gamomat
Barbara Batári Head of Marketing and Sales – Just For The Win
Nadiya Attard Chief Commercial Officer at Elantil
Tracey Wiley Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bally’s
Playtech Announce Trading Update
Playtech announced their trading update for the first 4 months of 2025 till April 30, saying that the company had delivered a solid performance over the first four months of the year, with trading in line with expectations. The Company said it has also made good progress against its strategic objectives as it transitions to a predominantly pure-play B2B business.
Software fees from Caliplay continue to see strong growth. As previously flagged, the revised strategic agreement with Caliplay came into effect on 31 March 2025. Playtech is now entitled to receive dividends as a 30.8% equity holder, although is no longer entitled to receive the additional B2B services fees since that date.
The US continues to see very strong revenue growth across Live, Casino and Platform, as launches with major operators in 2024 translate into revenue. Playtech continues to see significant demand for its products in the Americas, in particular Live, and
will continue to invest to meet this demand.
Live remains a key driver of performance, delivering healthy growth in the period, while the higher margin, less capital-intensive SaaS business showed continued momentum with very strong revenue growth across multiple operators and geographies.
We have seen initial headwinds, as previously flagged, following new regulations in Latam markets, with Brazil impacted by the transition to a regulated market, and Colombia introducing a temporary VAT charge. We remain positive about the opportunities these markets present to our business.
As previously announced, the €2.3 billion sale of the Snaitech business to Flutter Entertainment plc group occurred on 30 April 2025, with approximately €1.8 billion of the sale proceeds to be paid out to shareholders as a special dividend on 12 June 2025.
On 2 May 2025, Playtech served notice to redeem at par, on 2 June 2025, the remaining €150 million of the €350 million senior secured notes, which were otherwise due to mature in March 2026, strengthening the balance sheet of the Playtech business going forward.
Mor Weizer, CEO, said: “It has been a busy start to the year for Playtech as we transition to a predominantly pure-play B2B business. With the sale of Snaitech now completed, we have significantly strengthened our balance sheet and will return approximately €1.8 billion to shareholders as a special dividend.
Our core B2B business has delivered a solid performance in the first four months of the year, with a standout performance in the US. Given the strategic and operational progress being made across the business, we remain confident in Playtech’s ability to execute on the exciting growth opportunities over the medium term.”
Bangladesh Cracks Down On Illegal Gambling
The Bangladesh Criminal Investigation Department (CID) spearheading a nationwide crackdown on illegal gambling activities. This enforcement action is one of the first major implementations of the recently established Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, aimed at curbing the rising tide of illegal online betting and gambling that has raised serious social and financial concerns.
Online gambling has surged in popularity, particularly among the youth, driven by the allure of quick financial rewards. This trend has been exacerbated by the proliferation of mobile applications and social media platforms that facilitate easy access to gambling sites. The CID has expressed alarm over the potential consequences of this trend, which include addiction, financial distress, and even criminal behaviour.
In response to these growing concerns, the CID has launched a comprehensive campaign targeting online gambling operations. This initiative has already identified over 1,000 mobile financial service (MFS) agents allegedly involved in facilitating illegal gambling transactions. The CID has forwarded the names of these agents to Bangladesh Bank, recommending the cancellation of their licenses and imposing financial penalties.
The Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 provides a robust legal framework for addressing online gambling. Under Section 20, the creation, operation, or promotion of online gambling platforms is classified as a criminal offense, punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine of up to one crore taka, or both. Additionally, related offenses such as fraud and manipulation in connection with gambling are
similarly prohibited under Sections 21 and 22.
As part of the crackdown, the CID is actively engaging the public to raise awareness about the dangers of online gambling. Officials are urging citizens to refrain from participating in these activities and to help disseminate information, particularly among younger demographics. The CID has emphasized the importance of community involvement in combating this issue.
To facilitate public reporting, the CID has established dedicated hotlines and email addresses for individuals to report suspicious apps, websites, or mobile numbers associated with online gambling. This proactive approach aims to empower citizens to take an active role in identifying and reporting illegal gambling activities.
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Skywind Games Seeks to Reverse £51 Million Acquisition
Skywind Holdings is pursuing the annulment of its £51 million acquisition of In Touch Games (ITG). The move stems from allegations surrounding a controversial software known as the “SuperUser Code” and claims of regulatory misrepresentation. The lawsuit, filed in the High Court, has raised serious questions about the integrity of the acquisition process and the actions of ITG’s previous owners.
Skywind, a company founded by billionaire Teddy Sagi, finalized the acquisition of ITG in June 2022 for approximately £50.8 million. ITG, known for its online gaming operations, was expected to enhance Skywind’s portfolio in the competitive gaming market. However, the acquisition has since come under scrutiny due to allegations of fraudulent activities linked to the software that purportedly allowed for the manipulation and deletion of critical customer data.
The crux of Skywind’s lawsuit revolves around the so-called “Super-User Code,” which is alleged to have been implemented on July 16, 2021. According to Skywind’s claims, this code enabled designated employees to delete customer document images, which inadvertently erased all records associated with those images. This deletion process allegedly obstructed an audit conducted by RSM, a reputable auditing firm, leading to the destruction of evidence related to potential fraud.
Skywind’s legal documents assert that the code was designed to facilitate and conceal improper activities, particularly concerning the RSM audit. The company is now seeking to rescind a settlement deed from November 2023 and recover up to £63.4 million in damages and payments.
The court documents reveal troubling internal communications among ITG’s former owners, Simon and Yu-Lin Wilson. In a candid email dated January 23, 2022, Mrs. Wilson expressed her reluctance to sign documents prepared by what she described as “dishonest snakes and incompetent people” within the company. This correspondence raises questions about the transparency and ethical standards maintained during the acquisition process.
Furthermore, a phone call between Mrs. Wilson and whistleblower Nicholas Burton allegedly included statements indicating awareness of potential legal repercussions. Such exchanges suggest a culture of fear and deception within ITG, further complicating the narrative surrounding the acquisition.
Nicholas Burton, who served as ITG’s corporate development manager, played a pivotal role in uncovering alleged fraudulent activities. During a review of customer files ahead of the RSM audit, Burton reportedly discovered numerous forged documents, including bank statements and payslips.
His findings indicated a systematic effort to manipulate customer data, raising alarms about the integrity of ITG’s operations.
Burton’s whistleblower letter, sent on February 4, 2022, accused ITG of engaging in fraudulent practices. However, he retracted this letter shortly after, following what he described as a coercive encounter with Simon Wilson.
In response to Skywind’s allegations, Simon Wilson has firmly denied any wrongdoing. His defense asserts that no fraudulent activities occurred, and he claims to have been unaware of any data manipulation. Wilson contends that the deletion of customer images was a routine practice, implemented to manage irrelevant or illegible documents.
Moreover, the defense challenges the notion that passing the RSM audit was critical to ITG’s future. They argue that the audit did not operate on a pass/fail basis and that any deletions of documents were not directly beneficial to the company. This perspective aims to undermine the foundation of Skywind’s claims and shift the narrative surrounding the acquisition.
Caribbean Island Joins The Online Gambling Industry
The recent passage of the Nevis Online Gaming Bill, 2025, marks a milestone for the island of Nevis. This legislation is poised to transform the local economy by establishing a regulated framework for online gaming, thereby positioning Nevis as a competitive player in the digital gaming sector. The bill was championed by Premier Mark AG Brantley, who also holds the finance portfolio within the Nevis Island Administration (NIA).
The introduction of the Online Gaming Bill is a strategic move aimed at diversifying Nevis’s economy. Traditionally reliant on tourism and agriculture, the island is now looking to the digital gaming industry as a new avenue for growth. By creating a regulated environment for online gaming, Nevis aims to attract inter -
national operators and investors, which could lead to job creation and increased economic activity.
Premier Brantley emphasized that the bill is not just about regulation; it is also about creating jobs and generating new revenue streams. The online gaming sector has the potential to provide employment opportunities in various fields, including technology, customer service, and compliance. Additionally, the revenue generated from licensing fees and taxes on gaming operations could significantly bolster the island’s finances.
One of the most critical aspects of the Online Gaming Bill is the establishment of the Nevis Online Gaming Authority. This regulatory body will oversee the licensing, monitoring, and compliance of online gaming operators.
The bill outlines stringent licensing requirements for operators wishing to enter the Nevis market. These requirements include robust anti-money laundering measures, data protection protocols, and consumer safeguards.
Another essential element of the legislation is its focus on promoting responsible gaming practices. The bill includes provisions that require operators to implement measures aimed at preventing gambling addiction and protecting vulnerable individuals.
With the passage of the Online Gaming Bill, Nevis is now hoping to attract international gaming operators. The island’s favourable regulatory environment, combined with its commitment to integrity and responsible gaming.
TGP Europe Leaves GB Market After UKGC Investigation
The UK Gambling Commission issued a statement regarding TGP Europe leaving the UK market:
The UK Gambling Commission regulatory action into a white label gambling operator has resulted in the company leaving the British market.
TGP Europe, which ran a number of websites, surrendered its licence after being told it needed to pay a £3.3 million penalty and make significant improvements if it wanted to continue trading in Great Britain.
The fine was for failing to carry out sufficient checks on business partners and breaching anti-money laundering rules.
TGP’s white label business model involved running a gambling business using the branding of other businesses.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) breaches included failing to effectively implement enhanced due diligence measures outlined in its own AML policy by not effectively scrutinising information received from a third party.
This is the second time TGP Europe has breached regulations. In 2023 the operator was fined £316,250 for failures including not adequately considering and mitigating money laundering risks posed by businessto-business relationships, and having ineffective policies and procedures in relation to due diligence undertaken prior to white label agreements.
TGP’s exit from the GB market means several football clubs now have sponsorship arrangements with unlicensed gambling businesses.
The Commission yesterday contacted AFC Bournemouth, Fulham FC, Newcastle United FC, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Burnley FC warning of the risks of promoting unlicensed gambling websites.
The Commission is seeking assurance from the clubs that they have carried out due diligence on their white label partners and that consumers in Great Britain cannot transact with the unlicensed sites.
John Pierce, Commission Head of
Enforcement, said: “This case involves a gambling company that was unwilling or unable to meet the regulatory standards we expect from our licensees. It is right that they have now exited the British market.
“Following TGP’s exit, several online gambling operators can no longer lawfully offer gambling facilities to consumers located in Great Britain. These sites, previously operating under TGP’s licence, may not provide adequate protection against criminal activity or gambling-related harm and should not be available to GB consumers with immediate effect.”
He continued: “We have already been in contact with several football clubs today to highlight the impact of the withdrawal from the market by TGP and make clear that we will be carrying out checks-without further notice-to ensure these sites remain blocked. We will also conduct ongoing spot checks as necessary to ensure they are not accessible to consumers in Great Britain by any means. Should any of these sites be available to GB consumers, we will take appropriate action.
Wynn Resorts To Pay $5.5 Million Fine
Wynn Resorts Ltd. last week reached a settlement with the Nevada Gaming Control Board, agreeing to pay a fine of $5.5 million. The decision comes in response to allegations regarding the company’s involvement with unlicensed money transmitting businesses aimed at attracting high-stakes gamblers. The settlement is set to be reviewed by the Nevada Gaming Commission, marking a significant step in resolving ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
The allegations against Wynn Resorts stem from a broader investigation that revealed the company’s connections with unlicensed money transmitting operations. These operations were reportedly utilized to facilitate transactions for high rollers, allowing them to gamble at Wynn Las Vegas while circumventing legal financial regulations. This situation escalated to a point where Wynn forfeited $130.1 million in a non-prosecution
agreement with federal authorities in September 2024.
The investigation highlighted a scheme where independent agents acted as intermediaries, transferring funds from foreign gamblers through various channels, including companies and bank accounts in Latin America. These funds ultimately ended up in a Wynn-controlled bank account, enabling the casino to credit the accounts of individual patrons. Such practices not only violated Wynn’s internal compliance policies but also breached U.S. laws governing monetary transfers.
In light of these findings, federal authorities took action against Wynn Resorts, leading to the substantial forfeiture and the current settlement discussions with the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The settlement is part of Wynn’s efforts to rectify past mistakes and reinforce its commitment to compliance within the gaming industry.
In a public statement, Wynn Resorts expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the matter, emphasizing its dedication to maintaining high standards of integrity and compliance. The company acknowledged that the improper actions were carried out by individuals no longer associated with the organization and reiterated its commitment to upholding industry regulations.
Wynn Resorts has outlined its ongoing commitment to enhancing its anti-money laundering (AML) program. The settlement stipulates that the company will continue to maintain comprehensive records related to AML training and ensure that training materials are available for independent agents. This proactive approach aims to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
The 2025 Women in Gaming
CELEBRATING
Some 45+ companies attended the 2024 WIG Diversity Awards, making it the largest gathering so far to celebrate the achievements within the sector.
The WIG Diversity Champagne Reception
A TIME TO MEET OLD AND NEW FRIENDS AND OF COURSE TO NETWORK WITH COMPANIES STRIVING TO ACHIEVE DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
FINALISTS, THEIR COMPANIES AND COLLEAGUES RELAX BEFORE THE AWARDS CEREMONY
JUST SO MANY WE COULD NOT LEAAVE OUT ANYONE FROM THE DIGITAIN RECEPTION
ATTENDEES AND SUPPORTERS AT THE DIGITAIN CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION
Motivating & Inspiring Ciara Nic Liam
We have enjoyed some great speakers for the Women in Gaming Diversity Awards over the years, offering some great insights, thought provoking and inspiring talks, but when the Managing Director of Gaming at Entain, Ciara Nic Liam spoke to the full house of attendees at the Savoy Hotel, everyone listened, it was a talk on reality of being a woman, a worker and a mum. It resonated through the room, it was not instructing on what to do but more showing the realities of life and that you can cope with them all especially being a woman and still be successful.
Ciara offered her own experiences and that had a huge impact to the listening attendees, to show that obstacles to progress are not always insumountable. It was also a speech on togetherness, of the huge impact the WIG has had not just on her life and career but so many others over the years.
In closing said that if any woman said “Can I really do this?” The answer is YES! Many listening that night said that Ciara’s speech was the most inspiring and motivational they had heard, we agree, well done Ciara.
Above Winner Shakyra Jonsson (Betsson) Affiliate Leader of the Year
Below Betsson Group - Best Diverse Place To Work Award
Let The Awards Begin
Below Winner Soft2Bet - B2B Excellence Award (Companies)
Above Winner Emily Durrant (Entain Group) Apprentice of the Year
Above Company of the Year – (Operator) went to Flutter Entertainment
Right Winner Nicola Wallbank(AGS) B2B Excellence Award (Individuals)
Winning an award Means Hard Work
Above Winner Company of the Year (Supplier)
Right Community Engagement AwardIrene Markitani (Playtech)
Right Employee of the Year (Operator)Ellis Dawkins - Bally’s
Above Corporate Wellbeing Awardgoes to Bally’s
Above Diversity and Inclusion winner is Aristocrat
Right Employee of the Year (Supplier)
Jackie Alvarez IGT
Above Excellence in Customer Service – (Operator)
Melissa Spencelayh - LiveScore Group
And The Winners Keep On Coming, You
Above Excellence in Customer Service –(Supplier) Diana Munoz GLI
Right HR Champion – (Operator) Marilia Pereira De Jesus - Bally’s
Above Industry Pride Recipient Soraia Figueiredo - Light&Wonder
Right HR Champion – (Supplier) Melanie Gauthier- PearFiction Studios
Inspiring & Motivating Others
Above Great Place To Work- ARRISE
Right Winner Industry Achiever – (Operator) Sue Price - Grosvenor Casinos
Every Winner was Applauded by all in the room
Above Industry Achiever – (Supplier)
Anni Bonev - GAMOMAT
Right Winner Inspiration of the Year –Operator - Gillian Baird Buzz Group
Above Left Winner Inspiration of the Year – (Supplier) Aida Vardanyan - Digitain
Far Left Innovator of the Year goes to Elantil Commercial Team
Left Leader of the Year (Operators) Kass Walsh - Bally’s
Top: Leader of the Year (Suppliers) Shelley Hannah - Relax Gaming
Right Marketing Campaign of the Year Lisa Trinder (Entain) For “Women in Leadership Apprenticeship Programme”)
Above Positive Role Model of the Year – (Operator) Deepika Chilakamarri- Entain
Above Star of the Future (Operator) Stephanie O’Connor - LiveScore Group
Right Positive Role Model of the Year – (Supplier) Dr Alexandra Krone - GAMOMAT
Top: Outstanding Contribution Award Goes To Trisha Sauerbrei - Aristocrat
Below The Outstanding Mentor Award (Operator) Ida Malagic- Greentube
Above Young Leader of the Year (Operator) Chellyanne Cassar - Betsson Group
Left Star of the Future (Supplier) - Triinu Tikku
SOME GREAT PHOTOS AT THE AWARDS CEREMONY AND CELEBRATING AFTER
Celebrating & After Party
A tALK WITH Keith Cassar Chief Technology Officer at Game Lounge
The Infinity Gaming Magazine sat down with Keith Cassar to talk about the latest developments with Game Lounge.
What led Game Lounge to develop the Affiliate Trust and Data Index?
We’ve worked with dozens of affiliate platforms over the years, and one thing has always been clear: there is no consistent standard for what “good” looks like. Some platforms provide detailed, actionable data with clean APIs. Others still rely on spreadsheets and manual work. Yet, they are often treated the same in the market.
We created the Index to bring structure to that conversation. It ranks platforms based on what truly matters to affiliates and operators: granularity of data, automation readiness, and secure integration. These are more important than surface-level features.
W hy do you think the industry needed this kind of benchmark?
T he affiliate tech stack has not kept pace with the rest of the iGaming industry. Affiliates like Game Lounge
are expected to make performancebased decisions, but the quality of data they receive from platforms varies widely.
T his kind of transparency benefits everyone. Affiliates can scale more efficiently, operators gain better campaign insights, and platforms are encouraged to modernise. It is not about criticising anyone. It is about raising the overall standard.
W hat were some of the most surprising findings?
T he biggest surprise was not about which platforms scored well, but about the gap between those offering modern data tooling, granular player activity data, and secure systems, and those still operating with legacy setups. Some very established platforms underperformed on basic granularity or lacked security features such as two-factor authentication for sensitive actions.
B y contrast, some newer or less prominent platforms performed strongly. It is clear they have been designed with data flow, automation, and affiliate needs in mind from the start.
H ow do you hope operators and platforms will use the report?
For operators, this report should serve as a reference point when choosing or evaluating their affiliate platforms. If a platform makes it difficult for partners to access consistent and granular campaign data, player activity data, or detailed revenue breakdowns, then it creates a commercial disadvantage.
For platforms, we hope it encourages more open communication with affiliates, along with investment in better developer tools, clearer reporting structures, and more control for operators over data access. We are not publishing this to rank and walk away. We want to see real improvements.
W hat’s next for the Index—will it evolve?
Yes, the Index is versioned and we treat it as a live product. Our plan is to publish it twice a year, with updated data, more platforms added, and ongoing refinements to the scoring model.
We also actively invite feedback from both operators and platforms. If someone believes their platform should score differently, we are open to that conversation. The methodology is transparent and designed to improve over time.
In some cases, limited or unclear documentation, particularly around APIs or reporting features, can lead to inaccuracies in how a platform is assessed. Now that the first version is out, we see this as an opportunity to gather input and refine future editions where needed.
We are also looking to expand the list of affiliate platforms featured in the next edition. Once the model is refined further, we plan to start engaging directly with more brands
and operators to explain how the Index works, and why it matters. In particular, we want to highlight the importance of having their chosen platform land in the Gold Standard quadrant—because that is where scalable, data-driven affiliate performance becomes possible.
What role does Game Lounge see for itself in shaping affiliate tech standards?
We are in a unique position because we work closely with both operators and affiliate platforms. We deal daily with the real-world limitations of these systems, which gives us a clear understanding of where things break down.
Our aim is not to own the standard. It
is to start a conversation, grounded in data, that helps the entire ecosystem improve. If we can help push affiliate tech toward being more transparent, modern, and scalable, then everyone benefits.
We maintain strong relationships with many of the larger affiliate platforms. Most of them are based here in Malta, and we regularly meet them at industry events. Our offices are always open for discussion, and we welcome open dialogue around how the Index can evolve and support shared goals.
ABOUT KEITH:
Keith Cassar, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Game Lounge, is a visionary leader transforming the company’s technology strategy while enhancing data-driven decisionmaking. With over a decade of experience, he is an expert in data governance, democratisation, and tracking in affiliate marketing.
Previously, as Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Keith built the data department from one to 15 members and managed extensive datasets at King, serving 300 million daily users. Now, as CTO, he oversees the integration of technology across all functions, ensuring data accessibility and improved decision-making throughout the organisation.
Recognised as an authority in data literacy, Keith has lectured on data careers in higher education and organised several data-focused events at Game Lounge, where he continues to grow into an even more expansive role within the leadership team while overseeing all tech and AI integration.
GAMOMAT Champions Good Work
Infinity Gaming Magazine chatted with GAMOMAT to understand how ‘Coffee badging and culture’ drives the company’s success in the modern workplace.
As o ne of the leading online gaming product developers in Germany, GAMOMAT is charting a course for long-term success as a Good Work champion. A mantra that is being heard more often in recent times is ‘Coffee badging’, a term used to describe one way in which employees in many companies are rebelling against the return to traditional working models.
I n contrast to this trend, GAMOMATies are free to drink their coffee anywhere. A number of companies have made the call to demand their workforce return to the office, which has created a trend that employees are clocking on briefly before returning to their home offices.
O n the back of this, several phrases have been coined as a result of employees’ reluctance to leave home and return to the office. Two examples from this trend are ‘coffee badging’ and ‘quiet quitting’.
D r Alexandra Krone, Managing Director at GAMOMAT, observes: “The pandemic disrupted workplace norms. But sadly, not enough companies have taken it as an opportunity for genuine self-reflection. Now they are sitting there like a rabbit in the headlights and have reverted to type in a knee-jerk reaction.”
A t GAMOMAT, that was never an option. The company resolutely has a commitment to the principles of Good Work. Implementing a successful hybrid working system requires deeper thought and planning, rather than just stating that “we offer flexible working”.
K rone goes on to explain further: “Good Work isn’t just about facilitating flexible options – like hybrid or remote work. In fact, working in changing locations can bring on feelings of disconnection. It’s all about fostering a culture with a strong emphasis on enhancing communication and teamwork. This has huge consequences for what kind of competencies we need
within the business – and therefore how recruitment, employee development and leadership are structured.” At GAMOMAT, considerable work has been undertaken to successfully build up such a culture that will continue nurturing and evolving.
Without Good Work, there is no long-term strategy
In 2020, the company’s management implemented a “Hybrid Work Codex” – allowing GAMOMATies not just to have flexible working schedules, but to work from anywhere in Europe. Consisting of five pillars, the “Hybrid Work Codex” creates a template clearly setting out key factors such as contractual availability times or meeting-free days for focused work. It’s a clearly defined framework that makes certain that the team has psychological security. Meanwhile, the GAMOcademy was set up to address the challenges of working across multiple locations, providing upskilling for effective teamwork in hybrid workspaces while bringing a sense of belonging and community culture. Rather than leaving employees on their own to
adapt to the challenges of hybrid working, GAMOMAT is helping them every step of the way. And that’s the driving element behind Good Work.
The GAMOcademy consists of various modules that prioritise and build communication and teamwork skills. It starts with Meet & Grow, an on-boarding module that is obligatory for all GAMOMATies. Once it is complete, taking GAMOcademy courses is entirely voluntary. Training sessions are split into three categories: Empathy & Relationship Building, Remote Skills & Self Care and Embrace Diversity: Belonging starts with mindset. Employees can gain additional insights within practical virtual sessions on subjects like resilience, feedback and conflicts. There is also a quarterly Leadership Circle for C-Level executives where current hybrid working challenges
are discussed and solutions are worked out in a systematic way.
At GAMOMAT, Good Work isn’t just a buzzword; it’s part and parcel of their corporate culture. Quiet quitting or coffee badging are simply not a factor in GAMOMAT’s working environment. Why would they? GAMOMATies can work from wherever they wish and are fully equipped for hybrid working. And, should new challenges arise, the company will address them and find solutions.
As Dr Alexandra Krone concludes: “There is no long-term strategy without Good Work. In any case, the shortage of talent means that many businesses will be forced to make drastic changes anyway.”
