Best Regulatory Lawyer or Law Firm of the Year
1. Asensi Abogados
Asensi Abogados is a Spanish law firm that provides regulatory and compliance services to gaming and gambling operators, software providers and slot suppliers. Furthermore, the firm provides legal advice to gaming associations and gaming jurisdictions. Asensi has offices in Madrid, Mallorca and Bogota.
2. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a leading international law firm that advises clients on significant transactions and disputes around the world. Known for excellence, Gibson Dunn consistently ranks among the world’s top law firms and is distinctively positioned with more than 1200 lawyers in 20 offices worldwide.
3. Gordon Dadds
Known to international betting and gaming operators as a turnkey solutions provider, Gordon Dadds is led by industry leaders with a wealth of knowledge in licensing, gaming, anti-money laundering and regulatory trends. The firm has handled several cases over the past year, one of which includes a serious licence review and criminal investigation.
4. Kalff Katz & Franssen
The Gaming Practice Group offers boutique style service and dedication to the sector, land-based and remote alike, whilst being defined by its full-service and proactive approach.
5. Kingsley Napley
Kingsley Napley successfully defended Genting Casinos in a claim by Phil Ivey for £7.8 million purported winnings from playing Baccarat. This was the first cheating case since the Gambling Act 2005 and the first time that an English court has been asked to consider the definition of cheating. The Supreme Court decision in October 2017 has huge ramifications for the gambling and legal industry.
6. Joelson
Joelson’s highly ranked Licensing, Gambling and Regulatory team is based in central London and is led jointly by Richard Williams and Niall McCann. The full-service law firm has been known for its expertise in gambling for over 50 years.
Best Regulatory Lawyer or Law Firm of the Year (North America)
1. Hinckley Allen / Mark Hichar
Hinckley Allen and its Gaming Group Leader, Mark Hichar, have a reputation for creating lasting, meaningful business relationships. Mark has been advising clients in the gaming industry for over 25 years. Mark understands the gaming industry as well as the law. As a result, he is able to fully understand his clients’ goals and objectives, and provide practical, actionable advice.
2. Saiber LLC
Saiber LLC is a full-service law firm based in New Jersey. Saiber’s Gaming Law Practice is led by Jeremy Kleiman, and advises casino operators, gaming equipment suppliers, technology providers and financial institutions involved in the land-based and online gaming and lottery industries, with a focus on regulatory, licensing and compliance matters.
Chief Compliance Officer of the Year
1. Luke Orchard, IGT
Luke Orchard has spent more than two decades in the gaming industry. Luke played an integral role in the merger between GTECH and IGT to create the world’s largest gaming company – IGT. He directs compliance for IGT’s 450-plus gaming licenses and supports advocacy groups such as AGEM, IMGL and IAGA.
2. Ewout Keuleers, Kindred Group
With licenses in 11 EU Member state, +60 gaming product licenses and 27 successful regulatory audits in 2017 alone, Kindred Group has an industry leading impressive compliance track record. While this is the result of all Kindred +1300 FTE and the 112 FTE strong LeCo team, the nomination is the acknowledgement of the personal contribution of Ewout. Against 15 years of industry experience, 13 of which as Chief Compliance (General Counsel), This is the testimony of a compliance strategy that was designed in 2010 to future-proof Kindred for the shift from single .com to multiple .local licenses (re-regulation) and make sure Kindred is able to meet in a pro-active manner with the increasing compliance standards. This strategy is based on a holistic and seamless combination of i) scalable process, ii) innovative technology iii) passionate expert people and iv) fostering a positive group compliance culture as business opportunity and competitive differentiator. “we Build on Trust” is one of our Key Group values.
3. Marc Comella, Mark Lerner Law LLC
Marc Comella enjoys a well-deserved and hard-earned reputation among regulators, his work colleagues, and his peers at other companies as an innovative and effective compliance officer for gaming operators and manufacturers.
4. Caroline Kongwa, National Gambling Board, South Africa
Ms Caroline Kongwa is currently heading the National Gambling Board of South Africa and her experience in legal, regulatory and compliance matters are supported by a strong academic background in law further as an admitted Attorney. These attributes have positioned SA as a leader in the regulation of gambling in Africa.
5. Harald Neumann, Novomatic A.G
Mr. Harald Neumann has always dedicated his work on the topic of “Legal and Regulatory Compliance” to maintain legal conformity in all corporate areas of NOVOMATIC AG and to ensure risk-conscious and quality-aware thought and action. Moreover, through its commitment to the continuous appreciation of legal and regulatory compliance matters in all departments of NOVOMATIC AG and entire NAG Group, the general approach prevailed within NOVOMATIC that legal and regulatory compliance in all areas of business is the only course of action that can lead to success over the long term, and that contributes to a stable and foreseeable development of the company. As a recent example for his current success in compliance management: "NOVOMATIC AG is the first Austrian company to receive regulatory approval in the gaming metropolis of Las Vegas".
6. Ian Ince, Playtech
Through his leadership Ian and his team are shaping a best-in-class approach to Regulatory Affairs and Compliance both internally throughout our business of more than 5,000 employees in 17 countries and also externally across multiple industry stakeholders including our customers and their players, competitors, regulators, and governments.
Compliance Innovator or Innovation of the Year
1. Betway
Betway have influenced a culture of compliance across its business and developed a comprehensive risk assessment and monitoring programme incorporating a Compliance specific vision/mission statement, annual and quarterly objectives. The monitoring programme utilises a dedicated technical software solution to ensure the most efficient, effective assessment and reporting programme and to quantify regulatory compliance.
2. BtoBet
BtoBet is setting totally new and far-reaching standards in the online gambling industry. The multinational company is pioneer of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and is at the forefront of delivering huge and innovative advantages to iGaming operators, enhancing the experience of both operators and players.
3. Fresh8 Gaming
Fresh8 - automated marketing technology for the sports betting industry. Creating, and distributing marketing messaging automatically from data. By centralising and automating marketing a sports betting operator maximises revenue while ensuring compliance.
4. Global Gaming
Global Gaming is the provider of a payments solution, which has revolutionised the online casino world with its no registration format and instant payouts.
It features advanced KYC measures that increase AML compliance, ensuring it is socially responsible and provides players with a safe and secure environment to play within.
5. Gordon Dadds
Known to international betting and gaming operators as a turnkey solutions provider, Gordon Dadds is led by industry leaders with a wealth of knowledge in licencing, gaming, anti-money laundering and regulatory trends. The firm has handled several cases over the past year, one of which includes a serious licence review and criminal investigation.
6. SBTech
SBTech’s Regulation Service has been significantly enhanced with the addition of a range of unique features ensuring the full compliance of all SBTech clients operating in regulated markets. New features include a highly scalable Data Streaming service, a unique Risk Score report and new AML and Social Responsibility triggers.
Compliance Lifetime Achievement Award
1. Gabriel Chaleplis
Gabriel Chaleplis, Founder and leader of B2B GAMING SERVICES MALTA LTD., is a multi-awarded entrepreneur of pioneering large scale operations, with more than 20 years of international experience fostering the future in the fledgling online betting and gaming sector (Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Italy, Romania, South Africa, Spain, The United Kingdom).
2. Phill Brear
Phill Brear is the outgoing Head of the Gibraltar Gambling Commission. Over his 10 year tenure he has developed a distinctive and highly effective approach to licensing and regulation. He has presided over the growth and consolidation of Gibraltar as a premier remote gambling hub. His integrity and success are widely recognized. His contribution has brought considerable positive economic impacts and served to promote the integrity of the industry.
3. George Debrincat
George is a loyal and trusted long serving employee of Kindred, who has helped to lay the foundations of Kindred for the future and worked through all of the company stages to where it is today. He has been an exemplary employee, and no wonder his fellow employees turn to him for his experience to assist when needed. George’s passion towards his work has always achieved the goals need, and was always a support pillar for everyone who required assistance to surmount the difficult moment, and whether it was night or day, you could always rely that George will be there to lead and help.
Compliance Officer of the Year
1. Vineet Patel, Kindred Group
Kindred Group holds an un-paralleled number of local licenses and is recognised within the industry as leader in driving sustainable regulation and compliance within the markets it operates in.
High performing legal and compliance individuals are essential in ensuring that they meets its compliance obligations within the fast moving world of regulation and compliance.
2. Marc Comella, Mark Lenner Law LLC
Marc Comella enjoys a well-deserved and hard-earned reputation among regulators, his work colleagues, and his peers at other companies as an innovative and effective compliance officer for gaming operators and manufacturers.
3. Jemal Sudra, Play’n GO
Play’n GO’s legal team has secured certification in four territories over the past year, while delivering tools to streamline regulatory processes across its 15 jurisdictions. Jemal Sudra has been key in executing this compliance roadmap, helping speed up development and educate Play’n GO staff in the process.
4. Sonya Bozhkova, SBTech
Sonya Bozhkova, Head of Compliance at SBTech, is an innovative and proactive team leader who has significantly enhanced the culture of compliance throughout SBTech and its operator network. Her enthusiasm and detail-oriented approach has enabled SBTech to be first to market in regulated markets including Cyprus and Portugal.
5. Cherry Hosking, The Bingo Association
The Bingo Association represents nearly 600 Licensed Bingo Operating premises and over 100 operating companies. It is a broad church with a mixture of the corporate and very independent, those with infrastructure and those with none. From the Bingo Club to the Holiday Park and even the odd Snooker Club Cherry provides regulatory support and advice on a number of levels. Members like things that save them time and money, and keep them compliant. The Bingo Self Exclusion scheme is highly effective and does all of these things. Recently Cherry has provided advice and representation to both our Industry and the Royal Mint on the introduction of new notes and coins. Despite the Bingo Industry having millions of £”1 coins and thousands of coin mechanisms the changeover went almost unnoticed. Looking forward Cherry has put in place a process that provides support to all BA members requiring it for the introduction of GDPR this May. Cherry has rallied the compliance specialists from around the Bingo Industry in to a highly effective team that share Industry best practice and experiences through the BA compliance committee . When things go well, people don’t always notice and can take things for granted, which might be why sometimes people may not notice Cherry and her hard work at the Bingo Association!
6. Margherita Pavoni, Videoslots
Margherita Pavoni, Videoslots’ Legal & Compliance Manager has played a key part in the casino’s compliance team, helping deliver new procedures and training programs which have formed the benchmark of all activity in the past year, confirming Videoslots’ position as the leading, socially-responsible online casino.
Compliance Outstanding Achievement Award
1. Lynda Atkinson, Genting Casinos UK
Genting are delighted to nominate Lynda Atkinson for an outstanding achievement award in relation to her work before, during and after responsible gambling week. Her commitment to the company and its responsible gambling strategy have given staff the tools and confidence to make a difference for our customers.
2. Gordon Dadds
Known to international betting and gaming operators as a turnkey solutions provider, Gordon Dadds is led by industry leaders with a wealth of knowledge in licencing, gaming, anti-money laundering and regulatory trends. The firm has handled several cases over the past year, one of which includes a serious licence review and criminal investigation.
3. Valery Bollier and Benjamin Carlotti, Oulala Games
The creators of Oulala brought the concept of daily fantasy sports (DFS) games to Europe, more precisely to Malta, where they initiated the process of proper regulation within the sector. Subsequently, Malta became the very first European country to specifically regulate DFS.
4. Mary Neubauer, Rob Porter, Terry Rich, The Iowa Lottery
Through the work of Vice Presidents Mary Neubauer and Rob Porter and CEO Terry Rich, the Iowa Lottery Authority is being nominated for its role in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of the largest lottery fraud of all time, as well as its exercise of influence over the lottery industry to ensure continued integrity.
5. Ewout Wierda, Videoslots
Ewout Weirda, Videoslots’ Head of Legal, Compliance and Risk has delivered an exceptional restructuring of the casino’s compliance team, while delivering new tools and requirements which have formed the benchmark of all activity in the past year, confirming Videoslots’ position as the leading, socially-responsible online casino.
Compliance Payment Service or Solution Provider of the Year
1. Global Gaming
Global Gaming is the provider of a payments solution, which has revolutionised the online casino world with its no registration format and instant payouts.
It features advanced KYC measures that increase AML compliance, ensuring it is socially responsible and provides players with a safe and secure environment to play within.
2. Passport Technology Inc
Passport Technology Inc. is a leading developer and provider of technology-based products and services for worldwide payments, gaming and financial services markets. The company's international portfolio includes attended payment kiosks, cash access systems, compliance software, cloud-based analytic technology and interactive services.
Data Protection Officer of the Year
1. Anna Niewiadomska, Kindred Group
Anna as Kindred DPO forms part Kindred Group's legal team of 11 highly dedicated, international professionals servicing the group with its expanding territorial coverage and multi- brand strategy. In a rapidly expanding corporate group operating in a fast-paced, highly-complex industry, Anna has successfully and courageously taken on the challenge to take the data protection challenges and opportunities for Kindred Group to the next level. She has quickly established herself as internal business partner and external valued expert. With her customer-centric vision and “out of the box”, solution-focused attitude, she is a fundamental pillar in a process that will change the industry indefinitely.
2. Deion Williams, Play’n GO
Play’n GO’s legal, compliance and data teams have delivered huge improvements to its data protection program in the judging period. Deion Williams has executed various key audits, brought in rigorous company standards and updated training programs, benefitting the organisation across the board.
Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Responsible Gambling in a Customer Facing Role
1. Dr. Monika Poeckh-Racek, Admiral Casinos & Entertainment AG
Monika Poeckh-Racek always focussed on Responsible Gaming and improved her skills with various qualifications (e.g. diploma in Responsible Gaming at Sigmund Freud Private University and Prevention Officer Education at Anton-Proksch-Institut Vienna). With her efforts to improve Responsible Gaming at the NOVOMATIC-Group she has opened new paths for the company to deal fairly with the customer.
2. Maris Bonello, Kindred Group
A role model for many, Maris is synonymous to Responsible Gaming. From the onset, she embarked on a journey intended to help customers in a pro-active and active way. She is currently reading for a PHD in RG and continues to deliver innovative solutions to the business whilst keeping customers at the very core of whatever she does.
3. Responsible Gaming and Complaints Coordinator Team, Mr Green
It should be fun, entertaining and safe to play at Mr Green. Green Gaming is all about staying in control, not crossing the line between enjoyment and risky behaviour. We have high ambitions, and want to be the brand you associate with Green Gaming.
4. Jeanne David, The Stars Group
Jeanne David is a licensed social worker with a Master’s degree in SW and Addiction Services with 25+ years of addiction treatment experience. Jeanne has been an advocate of best practices in RG for 11 years, and has led a dedicated team, which provides coverage across all of Stars’ brands.
Head of AML/ MLRO
1. Steven Armstrong, Betway
Bringing years of AML experience to Betway, Steven Armstrong has collaboratively driven a culture of AML throughout the business. His passionate and innovative risk-based approach has led to a proactive assessing, combatting, reporting and monitoring of AML in order to keep crime out of gambling. Steven is an asset to Betway and the industry.
2. Nigel Harvey, Genting Casinos
In Nigel Harvey, Genting Casinos UK LTD have a Head of AML they are extremely proud of. Constantly taking the business forwards with innovative new ideas, approachable to all colleagues, and providing the very highest standard of protection for both the company and customers alike.
3. Trevor De Giorgio, Greentube Malta Ltd
Trevor De Giorgio has worked on all sides of the Gambling sector, be it Consultant in his early years in the industry followed by working at the Maltese Regulator and now at Greentube for almost eight years. Hence Trevor has experienced all sides of the Industry and this has helped him grow into his role within Greentube and also in becoming an important asset for the Group in the challenging environment within which the industry is developing.
4. George Debrincat, Kindred Group
Kindred’s AML team thrives to offer the best customer protection possible whilst instilling a sense of trust in our customers so that they be our brand ambassadors and spread confidence in the gaming industry at large. We aim to achieve this with our outstanding acumen of experience in AML. We aim that Kindred’s AML department will continue to lead the battle to keep the criminal element away from its platforms.
5. Ewout Wierda, Videoslots
Ewout Weirda, Videoslots’ Head of Legal, Compliance and Risk has delivered an exceptional restructuring of the casino’s AML.MLRO team, while delivering new tools and requirements which have formed the benchmark of all activity in the past year, confirming Videoslots’ position as the leading, compliant online casino.
Head of Risk
1. Ecommpay
To address the risks inherent in accepting payments online, ECOMMPAY engineered the proprietary FraudStop risk management system on the basis of machine learning to identify and negate fraudulent activity. ECOMMPAY’s Fraud/Chargeback Monitoring Division complement the system’s automated monitoring through comprehensive manual analyses, offering tailored recommendations based on client transaction histories.
2. Yan Grech, Kindred Group
The Player Safety Department has put the Customer at the centre of their operations, taking precedence over all other business objectives. Their innovative Risk Assessment Approach and their unparalleled Social Responsibility framework are a clear demonstration of this and undoubtedly their biggest achievements yet
3. Wesley Self, Videoslots
Wesley Self, Videoslots’ Payment and Fraud Manager, has delivered an exceptional restructuring of the casino’s risk team, while delivering new tools and requirements which have formed the benchmark of all risk and compliance activity in the past year, confirming Videoslots’ position as the leading, socially-responsible online casino.
In-House Counsel / Legal Team of the Year
1. Casinos Austria Team
Casinos Austria has combined experts from their Legal and Public Affairs Departments to create an exceptional Compliance Team. The Team has created and operates a Compliance Management System that is certified by ISO standards 19600 and 37001, and embodies Tone from the Top principles. Recognized by their peers, members are consistently asked to present at industry conferences as leaders in the field.
2. Karolis Gogaitis, CBet
To achieve your business goals in gambling industry you must find an appropriate level of harmony between gambling service providers and applicable regulations in one hand, and Regulatory bodies on another one. By being an in-house lawyer of the company, which provides land-based and online gambling services, my direct responsibility is not only to find a legal key to that success but also to ensure a compliance of it.
3. Kambi Team
Kambi's legal team continues to outperform in relation to its size. Innovative, passionate and pragmatic, the team plays an integral role in the global B2B sports betting supplier achieving its internal, commercial and compliance goals. With customers active in six continents across multiple jurisdictions, Kambi is dedicated to ensuring compliance at all times.
4. Kindred Team
The Kindred Group legal team is a group of 11 highly dedicated, international professionals servicing the group with its expanding territorial coverage and multi- brand strategy. The legal team advises the group in an ultra-complex, highly disruptive and fast-paced legal landscape, retaining an approachable and close to business attitude. They prioritising the interests of the business whilst safeguarding the reputation of the industry.
5. Play’n GO Team
Play’n GO’s expert legal team has secured certification in four territories over the past year, while delivering unique tools to streamline regulatory processes and onboarding its workforce to its exacting standards of compliance. With 15 licences across Europe, Play’n GO is the supplier to operators in regulated territories.
6. NetEnt Team
The NetEnt compliance team is a multi-jurisdictional legal team of 5 lawyers based in Europe. They provide the in-house legal solution for a global-facing business, with a key focus on the European and North American markets, and create tailored solutions for new markets, new customers and new products.
RegTech Provider of the Year
1. BetBuddy
BetBuddy, part of the Playtech Group, is a RegTech solution provider that helps lotteries and commercial gaming operators to understand consumer behaviour and manage risk in gaming. BetBuddy is at the forefront of applying AI to enable the gaming industry to protect consumers and create value from compliance.
2. C6
Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) reports are a key financial crime risk mitigation tool that helps Casinos and on-line gambling operators better understand their players’ suitability and risk profile(s) in order to minimize risk exposure. Through innovative technology and a global research capability our reports deliver deep insights, can be turned around in 24 hours and are highly cost effective.
3. GeoComply
GeoComply is a global leader in geolocation technology. Since launching in 2011, GeoComply has quickly become the iGaming industry’s trusted solution for reliable, accurate and precise geolocation services.
4. SAI Global
SAI Global is a global provider of integrated risk management solutions, helping companies manage complexity. SAI Global identified a need for gambling companies to enhance and automate their regulatory management and risk mitigation programs and worked with industry figures to develop a unique modular technology solution tailored for the sector.
5. SBTech
Over 60 operators utilising SBTech’s software and infrastructure to power brands in more than a dozen different regulated markets rely on the SBTech Regulation Service to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements. A proactive approach ensures the development of features that go far beyond any current regulatory requirements.
6. Trulioo
Trulioo is a global identity verification company that provides secure access to worldwide data sources, to instantly verify consumers and businesses online. Trulioo’s online verification platform, GlobalGateway, helps organizations comply with Anti-Money Laundering and Customer Due Diligence requirements by automating Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Business (KYB) workflows.
