Inside the rooms that matter: Voices that defined 2025
In 2025, SiGMA News spoke directly with the people shaping how the global gaming industry operates today. From executives navigating newly regulated markets to regulators enforcing player protection, and from technology pioneers to early iGaming founders, these conversations captured decisions already influencing the sector. This article highlights a handpicked selection of the most impactful interviews of the year, featuring leaders from Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond.
Paris Smith, Former Pinnacle CEO, on building the industry’s foundations
Paris Smith, former CEO of Pinnacle and one of the most influential women in the online gaming world, shared vivid memories of the industry’s early days. She described how in 1995 she took her first bets by phone in a cluttered Antigua office, recalling that “people weren’t just voices on a phone; they were relationships. That personal connection made all the difference.”
“It was a task and a half, but by the time I left Pinnacle 17 years later, it was just as big, if not bigger, than when I started. We really nailed it.”
– Paris Smith, Former CEO, Pinnacle
Smith explained how she helped Pinnacle grow by focusing on customer trust in an era with no automated systems, noting that handwritten lists and manual processes were standard before modern technology emerged. Her journey from manual bet taking to executive leadership illustrates how early decisions and personal engagement laid the groundwork for today’s global online gaming landscape.
Mike Dreitzer on Nevada’s regulatory priorities
Mike Dreitzer, Chairman and Executive Director of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), discussed the state’s regulatory priorities amid growing market pressure. He explained that protecting players, maintaining market integrity, and ensuring operator compliance remain central, even as new technologies and online gaming expand the industry.
“By focusing on fair, transparent communication, regulation, and strong accountability, we are driving meaningful progress toward sustainable industry growth.”
– Mike Dreitzer, Chairman and Executive Director of the Nevada Gaming Control Board
Dreitzer highlighted that proactive engagement with operators and monitoring emerging trends help Nevada balance growth with responsible regulation.
Raj Kapoor, India Blockchain Alliance, on AI and responsible gaming
Technology and player protection came together in an interview with Raj Kapoor, CEO and Founder of India Blockchain Alliance. Kapoor explained how artificial intelligence is being used to support responsible gaming initiatives across the industry.
“The challenge is no longer whether to regulate, but how to regulate smartly, in a way that safeguards players without suffocating innovation.”
– Raj Kapoor, CEO and Founder, India Blockchain Alliance
He described how AI tools can identify risky player behaviour, automate compliance processes and help operators meet regulatory requirements more efficiently. Kapoor noted that as markets become more complex, technology will play an increasingly important role in ensuring player safety while supporting sustainable growth.
Luis Garcia, Spanish footballer on fan passion driving betting engagement
Spanish football legend Luis García, discussed how fan passion influences betting behaviour across global sports markets. Garcia explained that understanding fan psychology is key to developing engaging betting products and campaigns, noting that “betting is not just about odds; it’s about connecting with the emotion fans feel for their teams.”
“Esport is something that, even though it introduced itself not long ago, has had massive growth.”
– Luis Garcia, Spanish Footballer
He highlighted that integrating real-time insights, personalised offers and interactive content allows operators to tap into the excitement of sporting events while promoting responsible engagement. Garcia’s perspective emphasised that the most successful betting experiences combine data-driven strategies with a deep understanding of fan culture.
Federico Faggin, Inventor and Physicist, on modern technology
One of the most significant interviews of the year featured Federico Faggin, an Italian-born physicist and inventor. Faggin reflected on the early development of computing hardware and how these breakthroughs laid the groundwork for today’s digital industries, including online gaming.
“Machines don’t understand. They don’t experience.”
– Federico Faggin, Inventor and Physicist
He explained how touch-based interfaces transformed human interaction with machines, enabling intuitive use across smartphones, tablets and gaming devices. Faggin also spoke about the limitations of artificial systems, noting that machines process data but lack consciousness or experience. His perspective provided historical and philosophical context to ongoing debates around automation, AI and human-machine interaction.
Henry Ross, Optimove on Africa’s iGaming evolution
Henry Ross, Account Executive at Optimove, spoke about the rapid development of Africa’s iGaming markets. He outlined how data-led customer relationship management and a challenger mindset can help both start-ups and established operators grow intelligently by improving player engagement, personalisation and loyalty in emerging markets.
“Start-ups can’t compete on marketing spend, but they can win on player experience.”
– Henry Ross, Account Executive, Optimove
Ross said that as mobile adoption increases and regulatory frameworks evolve, Africa is poised to produce homegrown brands capable of competing globally. He also shared Optimove’s plans to expand its partnerships and support operators across key markets including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania.
Pauline Hot, Director at ANJ, on gambling regulation in France
Regulatory leadership was represented by Pauline Hot, Director General of the French National Gambling Authority (ANJ). Hot explained France’s approach to maintaining strict oversight while managing market growth.
She detailed how the regulator uses data analysis and algorithmic monitoring to identify irregular betting patterns and manage risk. Hot stressed that gambling should not be treated as an ordinary consumer product and confirmed that advertising controls and player protection measures remain central to ANJ’s mandate.
“Even if gambling is authorised and regulated, it should not become a product of everyday consumption.”
– Pauline Hot, Director General, French National Gambling Authority
She also shared data showing growth in online accounts and turnover, while reinforcing that expansion must not come at the cost of social responsibility. Her comments reflected France’s firm stance on balancing economic activity with public interest.
Dario Evangelista, Betsson on localised licensing
Localised licensing has evolved from a regulatory challenge into a strategic asset. Industry leaders noted that adapting to jurisdiction-specific rules strengthens trust with regulators and consumers alike.
Dario Evangelista, Deputy General Counsel at Betsson Group, explained how regulatory frameworks with local licensing requirements affect operators. He said, “The rise of localised licensing mandates around the world reflects a natural and inevitable evolution in the global gambling landscape. Local licensing regimes bring clarity, set operational standards, and foster safer gaming environments.” Evangelista noted that these mandates require greater compliance investment and adaptability from operators while strengthening transparency and consumer protection across markets.
“Localised licensing demands significant investment in compliance infrastructure, advanced technology, and robust KYC and AML processes.”
– Dario Evangelista, Deputy General Counsel, Betsson Group
According to Evangelista operators must be agile enough to navigate a patchwork of regulatory requirements that vary from one jurisdiction to another, while maintaining consistency in consumer protection and operational excellence.
Patricia Prates, SuperBet, on Brazil’s regulated market
From Asia to South America, Patricia Prates, Marketing Director at SuperBet, shared a detailed view of Brazil’s rapidly changing betting landscape. Speaking after the introduction of formal regulation, Prates explained how SuperBet has adjusted its strategy to align with new compliance requirements.
She confirmed that stricter identity checks, including facial recognition, have improved player verification and reduced exposure to unlicensed activity. Prates also noted a shift in marketing focus, moving away from aggressive bonus-driven acquisition towards trust, transparency and long-term engagement.
“Regulation brings more security, but it also requires constant vigilance to ensure that legal operators are not harmed by those who do not follow the rules.”
– Patricia Prates, Marketing Director, SuperBet
Prates stated that SuperBet’s goal is to become one of Brazil’s market leaders by 2030. She emphasised partnerships with major football clubs and socially driven campaigns as central to building credibility in a newly regulated environment.
Miguel Ángel Ochoa Sánchez, President of AIEJA on modern gaming legislation
In Mexico, Miguel Ángel Ochoa Sánchez, President of AIEJA, highlighted the urgent need to update the country’s gaming legislation. The existing legal framework dates back to 1947 and does not reflect digital gaming realities.
Ochoa Sánchez explained that outdated regulation creates uncertainty for operators and investors, particularly in online gaming. AIEJA continues to advocate for modern legislation that supports innovation while providing legal clarity.
“The Mexican Federal Law of Gaming and Raffles was enacted on 31 December 1947… and there has been no substantial reform to date.”
– Miguel Ángel Ochoa Sánchez, President, AIEJA
He also pointed to steady demand in land-based casinos, especially among older audiences and women, reinforcing Mexico’s position as a market with both traditional and digital growth potential.
Viktoria Zakrevskaya, Boldozer Consulting on geopolitical risk
Viktoria Zakrevskaya, lecturer at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland and founder of Boldozer Consulting, spoke about how geopolitical developments are affecting the global gaming sector. She explained that sanctions, political instability and regulatory divergence across regions such as Eastern Europe, Central Asia and parts of the Middle East are forcing companies to reassess market exposure and operational structures.
“The assumptions businesses operated under for the past three decades… are no longer valid.”
– Viktoria Zakrevskaya, Boldozer Consulting
Zakrevskaya noted that legal teams are increasingly involved in strategic decision-making, supporting risk assessment, market exits and jurisdictional planning. Her insights highlighted how geopolitical awareness has become a core requirement for gaming businesses operating across multiple international markets.
Oscar Brodkin, Sportradar APAC Chief, on sports betting growth
Oscar Brodkin, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of APAC at Sportradar, spoke about the forces shaping sports betting across the region. He highlighted strong mobile adoption, high interest in major sports and growing demand for regulated products as key drivers of growth.
“It’s interesting operators are telling us now that it’s not always about having the absolute sharpest odds on every contest.”
– Oscar Brodkin, Executive Vice President, Sportradar
Brodkin also pointed to the complexity of operating across multiple jurisdictions, stressing the role of data, integrity monitoring and cooperation with regulators in supporting sustainable and compliant market development.
Borah Ndanyungu, betPawa on Tanzania’s online betting trends
Borah Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing and CSR at betPawa, discussed how online betting has contributed to Tanzania’s economy through government revenue, job creation and local sports sponsorships. She noted that as of April 2025, Tanzania’s Gaming Board collected significant revenue from the sector, and operators are investing in community initiatives such as basketball development.
“Continued collaboration between regulators, operators, and community leaders is essential to strengthen these safeguards”
– Borah Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing and CSR, betPawa
Borah also highlighted regulatory challenges, including compliance with evolving digital and mobile money rules, and stressed the importance of continued collaboration between regulators, operators and community leaders to promote responsible betting and protect vulnerable groups.
Moshe Adir, Vegas Kings on iGaming’s shift from dial-up to AI
Moshe Adir, Founder of Vegas Kings, spoke about the technological evolution of iGaming, tracing its journey from dial-up internet to today’s AI-driven platforms. He described how early online gaming operated with limited connectivity, basic interfaces and manual processes.
“AI is already here. Most operators just don’t realise how deeply it’s embedded.”
– Moshe Adir, Founder, Vegas Kings
Adir explained that advances in broadband, mobile technology and data analytics transformed how operators engage with players and manage risk. He highlighted artificial intelligence as a key driver of the current phase, supporting personalisation, fraud detection and operational efficiency. His perspective illustrated how continuous technological change has shaped the modern iGaming ecosystem.
Mary Mendoza on Asia’s cruise casino opportunity
Mary Mendoza, Managing Director of Platinum Strategic Consulting Group, explained how Asia could adapt the successful Caribbean cruise casino model for its own markets. She highlighted that Asia is beginning to combine tourism with onboard gaming, saying that “Asia is stepping onto the deck — and this time, it’s not just about cruising, it’s about gaming too.”
“Asia is stepping onto the deck — and this time, it’s not just about cruising, it’s about gaming too.”
– Mary Mendoza, Managing Director, Platinum Strategic Consulting Group
Mendoza pointed to markets such as the Philippines, where island geography supports multi-stop cruise itineraries, and drew on her experience from cruise projects in Africa to show how integrated gaming and travel can open new entertainment opportunities in Asia.
A global perspective through direct conversation
Taken together, these interviews reflect a year of direct access to influential voices shaping gaming, technology and regulation worldwide. From inventors and entrepreneurs to regulators and market leaders, the conversations of 2025 offered factual insight into where the industry stands and how it continues to evolve across regions.
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