2025 Speakers
More speakers being added - check back again soon!
Jody Bechtold
|
Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, PC, is a leading gambling addiction expert and CEO of The Better Institute in Pittsburgh. She co-authored The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook and contributed to the Social Work Desk Reference v4. A 2019 TEDx speaker, she serves on the IGCCB board and advises GamFin, Birches Health, and Seagulls Flock Organization. She is a member of NCPG and NSA Pittsburgh. With 100+ trainings and global presentations, she has taught in Italy, England, Mauritius, and at the 2019 International Addictions Conference in the Philippines.
|
Andrew Lyman
|
Andrew Lyman is currently the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner and the Executive Director of the Gambling Division. Andrew is a qualified UK lawyer (Professional Certificate of Competence in Gibraltar Law) and is a risk and compliance professional.
|
Sarafina Wolde Gabriel
|
Sarafina, CEO of marketing compliance technology firm Rightlander, brings over 20 years of digital marketing experience and a decade of leadership expertise in performance and affiliate marketing. Formerly with Paysafe’s Income Access, she led award-winning affiliate programs and served as CMO, driving global growth and innovation. After 18 years, she joined GeoComply in 2022, focusing on international expansion and business development. Sarafina is known for strategic leadership and fostering impactful industry partnerships.
|
Monica Shafaq
|
Monica, CEO of Gordon Moody since January 2024, has been active in the charity sector since 2010. Previously leading the Kaleidoscope Plus Group, she achieved accolades like the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies award and Gold Investors in People accreditation. Passionate about football, Monica holds non-executive roles with Birmingham County FA, Manchester United Foundation, and the FA’s Asian Inclusion Group. She founded South Asian Football Collective in 2023 and actively champions equality, diversity, and social justice across sports and health sectors.
|
John Tabone
|
John Tabone is a Senior Executive in Player Protection at the Malta Gaming
Authority, with nine years’ experience in the gaming industry. He is responsible for the Player Support and Responsible Gaming units and leads the implementation of the Authority’s player protection strategy. John holds a Masters degree in Transcultural Counselling and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Malta, and he is currently pursuing a Masters in Gestalt Psychotherapy. John presently operates a private practice as a counsellor and collaborates with various organisations, offering therapeutic support to adults and couples across a diverse spectrum of mental health concerns. |
Shimon Akad
|
Shimon Akad is the COO for Playtech, the world’s leading Omni-Channel gaming software and services supplier and one of the pioneers of the global online, land-based and mobile gaming industry. Founded in 1999 and listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange Playtech is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. Playtech has more than 4,500 employees in 14 countries. Shimon is the senior executive in charge of the day to day operations in Playtech’s various sites, with P&L responsibility for all business operations. He is also responsible for the company’s B2B and B2C lines of business, managing the commercial, operational and product roadmap of a global internet gaming business. His remit includes establishing and executing the company’s business and technological roadmap and strategy
|
Portia Gaone Diteko
|
Portia Gaone Diteko is an award-winning speaker, mental health practitioner, and researcher. She is the Responsible Gambling Manager at the Gambling Authority of Botswana and the founder of SOAR Institute, an inpatient alcohol and drug rehabilitation center.
Portia holds postgraduate degrees in Psychology and Addiction Science and is accredited by the International Centre for Credentialing and Education of Addiction Professionals (ICCE). With 15 years of international and national experience, she specializes in prevention and rehabilitation of problem behaviors. |
Jurmy Menckeberg
|
Jurmy Menckeberg is a dedicated Responsible Gaming Manager at The Mill Adventure, specialising in sustainable gambling operations. He leads the Responsible Gaming and Social Responsibility program, driving innovation, compliance, and sustainability in gaming. Jurmy’s expertise extends beyond gaming, having earned recognition for his impactful community work as an Area Manager and Advisor for two leading real estate NGOs and the Municipality of Amsterdam. His commitment to social responsibility and sustainable practices underscores his professional and personal endeavours, making him a respected leader in both gaming and community-focused initiatives.
|
Katie Reynolds-Jones
|
Katie Reynolds-Jones has worked for Gamstop Group for the past 7 years, most
recently as Chief Marketing Officer. Her focus has always been on ensuring that those who may need the services provided by the Gamstop Group, know about them. She is committed to working with providers of research, support, education, treatment, and tools across the sector to raise awareness of the self-exclusion schemes as well as producing clear, targeted advertising strategies to reach potential audiences directly. She has over 30 years’ experience in marketing, evaluation, and public speaking across both the commercial and the third sector. |
Dan Spencer
|
Dan heads up EPIC Global Solutions consultation services, offering invaluable insight and training to the gambling industry's key players from those who have lived through gambling related harm.
Dan Brings his own lived experience of gambling-related harm and a robust background in developmental training and compliance; Dan is dedicated to fostering a safer gambling environment globally. His expertise has reached 28 countries, where he and his team have been lauded for their outstanding contributions to safer gambling, earning multiple prestigious awards for their commitment to player protection with the worlds leading gambling operators. |
Scott Burrows
|
Scott Burrows is an experienced compliance professional with extensive expertise in driving technical compliance and operational excellence. Serving as Head of Technical Compliance at Happening (Superbet Group), he leads efforts to ensure strict adherence to regulatory standards while cultivating a robust culture of compliance. With nearly a decade of experience, he has successfully managed certifications, developed and implemented compliance strategies, while coordinating key initiatives across diverse jurisdictions.
|
Pedro Romero
|
Pedro is a psychologist, counsellor and experienced Safer Gambling expert who offers consultancy and training for top operators. He serves as the Chief of SG Partnerships at Betblocker, a leading harm minimisation charity that offers free and anonymous gambling-blocking software. With extensive experience in senior roles at leading iGaming companies such as 888, William Hill, GiG, Gamesys, and Marathonbet, Pedro is well-versed in the industry. In addition to his industry work, he has also been the Head of Gambling Therapy at the Gordon Moody Association. Pedro is currently conducting research for his PhD, focusing on finding innovative treatments for individuals affected by the negative consequences of excessive gambling.
|
Katie Renton
|
Katie heads the events content team at EGR Global, the gambling industry’s leading source of B2B news, comment and networking. Having now been in the industry for almost 7 years, Katie has produced events covering all facets of the sector, from regulatory updates to tech advancements to safer gambling and ESG. Prior to working at EGR, she worked in the education sector producing teacher training events and materials.
|
Jordan Lea
|
Jordan Lea is the Founder and Chief Executive of Deal Me Out, an
organization dedicated to preventing gambling addiction. His unwavering commitment to this cause has earned him prestigious recognition, including the St David’s Award. Through Deal Me Out, Jordan leads efforts to raise awareness and drive change, advocating for a safer and more responsible gambling environment. Jordan spearheads educational programs and recently organized a major summit, where he addressed the growing challenges facing the UK and emphasized the need for sustained action in tackling gambling addiction. |
Nicholas Macias
|
Nicholas Macias is the Secretary General of the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA), representing Gibraltar-licensed operators and suppliers on regulatory, legislative, and policy matters. He chairs GBGA working groups on AML, safer gambling, regulatory affairs, and more, helping to shape data-led approaches to governance and compliance. Nicholas played a key role in establishing the Association’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) working group and remains actively involved in its work. With over 20 years’ experience across regulatory and industry roles, he has led the integration of ESG priorities (particularly around social responsibility and governance) into industry policy and practice.
|
Christina Giuffre
|
Christina Giuffré is a strategic and people-focused leader with 20+ years of experience across product, marketing, communications, and leadership. She is Director of Online Bingo at Playtech, responsible for the business unit's growth, performance, and strategy. A certified coach and DEI&B advocate, Christina is passionate about building empowered teams and inclusive experiences. She's also the author of 'Dear Friend', a self-help book on compassion, and co-founder of MACH Coaching & Consulting.
|
Stephen Murchie
|
As Head of Safer Gambling & Compliance Manager at Ellipse Entertainment, Stephen oversees multi-jurisdictional compliance, risk management, and ensures best practices across B2C and B2B operations. A seasoned professional in the iGaming industry with almost eight years of experience in player protection, regulatory compliance, and safer gambling operations, he has successfully implemented automated risk-scoring systems, streamlined compliance processes, and led regulatory audit successes.
Passionate about harm prevention, Stephen designs and delivers specialized training to enhance sustainable play practices. |
Jacques Abeng-Essamba
|
Jacques Abeng-Essamba works as Talent Manager at Glitnor, where he gets to combine his passion for recruitment with his love for the gaming industry. With 13 years of experience, he believes how important it is to find the right talent to drive innovation and creativity. For Jacques, DEIB isn’t just about big initiatives; it’s the small, everyday actions that truly make a difference in our work environment. A culture where everyone feels valued and included is what keeps him going!
|
Clare Cogan
|
With over a decade of experience as a specialist in online gaming recruitment, Clare has had the privilege of working across Gibraltar, Malta, and the UK. Driven by her passion for connecting top talent with industry-leading companies, she recently founded her own recruitment business to further leverage her expertise. Throughout her career, she has honed her skills in customer relationship management, communication and the use of advanced recruitment tools.
|
Liesbeth Oost
|
Liesbeth Oost is the Head of ESG at JVH Gaming & Entertainment Group, a leading operator of land-based and online casinos in the Netherlands.
With a strong focus on responsible gaming, Liesbeth leads the development and implementation of the ESG strategy, embedding sustainability at the core of the organization’s activities. She holds a Master’s degree in International Political Economy from the University of Groningen and is a Certified Investor Relations professional (CIR®). |
Floris Assies
|
Floris Assies has been working in the digital content marketing and casino affiliate space since 2016. In 2020 he decided to combine his passion for sustainability and corporate social responsibility with iGaming and in 2022 founded Better World Casinos. Betterworldcasinos.com is a platform that aims to bring transparency and celebrate best practices by reviewing operators and other igaming companies on their ESG and CSR performance.
|
Max Collinge
|
Max Collinge is the Head of Product at Yaspa, an award-winning real-time payments provider. Before joining Yaspa, he spearheaded the development of NatWest Group’s open banking solution. Over the past year, Max has driven Yaspa’s expansion across multiple markets and now leads its Innovate UK-backed safer gambling initiative, using machine learning and financial data to enable positive player behaviour and outcomes.
|
Tina Thakor-Rankin
|
Christina Thakor-Rankin is a Co-Founder of the All-in Diversity Project, an organization that works to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the gaming and betting industry. The project works to collect data on diversity in the industry, promote best practices, and provide resources for companies to create more inclusive workplaces.
A passionate advocate of ESG and EDI and supporter of women and minoritized groups in the workplace, she is the technical author of the new BSI standard PAS 1948:2023 Diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace - a code of practice, a regular speaker at industry conferences and events, and has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to the industry. |
Keith Whyte
|
Keith Whyte has 30 years of national experience in promoting responsible gambling
and preventing gambling addiction. He is a highly effective advocate, advisor, policy analyst and program designer with extensive broadcast media experience. He is Founder & President of Safer Gambling Strategies LLC. Previous experience includes the National Council on Problem Gambling and American Gaming Association. He is also pursuing PhD in responsible gambling. |
Norma Campbell
|
Norma worked in the public sector for 19 years, 14 of which at the UK’s Gambling Commission. While at the Gambling Commission she saw the development of the gambling industry, not only from sectors such as betting being regulated for the first time, but the implementation of the revisions to the Gambling Act in 2014 and the Commission’s move to a more consumer focus in 2017. In 2020 she made the decision to move to industry and has been working as Head of Compliance for Betfred ever since.
|
Jessica Maier
|
Jessica Maier is co-founder of EGARA (Executive Gaming and Risk Advisory), a consultancy providing C-level advice on regulation, licensing, risk management, and compliance in the gaming industry. Previously a partner at a gaming law firm, she also served as Chief Risk Officer, Head of Legal and Compliance, and Head of Government Affairs at gaming software companies. With experience in both private practice and in-house roles, Jessica has led projects and public policy initiatives in collaboration with regulators, legislators, and industry stakeholders. She has been involved in numerous B2B and B2C licensing proceedings, conducted regulatory due diligence for corporate acquisitions, and advises clients on strategic responses to evolving regulations, including ESG. Jessica is a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) and Global Gaming Women (GGW).
|
Aleks Girs
|
Aleks is an accomplished HR professional with over two years of experience at BV Group. Starting as an HR Associate, he quickly advanced to the role of HR Business Partner, demonstrating a strong understanding of employee relations and organisational development. Currently, he serves as the HR Reporting & Analytics Manager, where he leverages expertise in HR systems, data management, and analytics to enhance decision-making processes.
|
Matej Novota
|
Matej oversees the strategy, operations, and innovation across both departments at Casino Guru. He is responsible for streamlining workflows, ensuring high data quality, and continuously improving a complaint resolution system. His role includes cross-functional leadership, supervising a growing international team, and aligning internal efforts with user needs and business goals.
|
James Frendo
|
James has Eighteen years in the eGaming industry, with a track record of consistently hitting double-digit growth and beating P&L targets.
He is experienced in multiple roles, complemented with a broad range of analytical and creative skills in product, content, marketing, team management and operations. Demonstrated ability to multi-task and make decisions to move projects to completion. James enjoys building dynamic teams, defining the right goals, overcoming the barriers to achieving them, and creating realistic plans with accountability for delivering to agreed deadlines. |
Gemma Podesta Briggs
|
Gemma Podesta Briggs is a seasoned compliance professional with over 13 years of experience in the online gaming industry, specializing in AML, CDD, Safer Gambling, Fraud, and Regulatory Compliance. As Compliance Manager for tombola’s International team, she oversees compliance across Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden. Gemma holds an International Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance and is an ICA Certified Practitioner, with a strong passion for learning and continuous improvement.
|
David Postlethwaite
|
David Postlethwaite helps businesses, governments, and organisations navigate the growing importance of sustainability as a key driver of regulation, governance, and stakeholder expectations. As Sustainability Director and Head of Impact at KPMG, David leads the firm’s ESG and sustainability efforts across the Crown Dependencies. He is responsible for delivering KPMG’s global IMPACT commitments locally, advising on sustainable finance, ESG strategy, and the unique sustainability challenges faced by island economies. With deep experience in both advisory and leadership roles, David also serves on the Management Board of the Jersey Teachers' Superannuation Fund, contributing to long-term responsible investment oversight.
|
Matthew Hickey
|
Matthew Hickey is a results-driven Chief Executive Officer and Executive Consultant with 25 years of leadership experience across commercial and non-profit sectors. Known for his strategic insight and strong communication skills, Matthew has led business direction, operational planning, and brand development. His consultative leadership style supports income generation, sustainable growth, and effective stakeholder engagement. Commercially astute and financially aware, he provides interim leadership in senior management, marketing, organisational restructuring, and impact assessment—both in national and international contexts.
|
Ian Semel
|
Ian has been involved in gambling for over 40 years. He spent 20 years as a pathological gambler and the last 20 years as a treatment provider for anybody affected by problematic gambling with Breakeven , a charity he started in 2001. Breakeven is part of the national gambling support network ,funded by Gambleaware and delivering treatment and support in the East of England, Sussex and Kent. Over the years Breakeven has delivered over a quarter of a million sessions to anybody affected by gambling related harms. Ian has appeared on numerous radio and television programmes promoting Breakeven and sharing his lived experience.
|
Paula Murphy
|
KnowNow founder and former MD Paula Murphy now represents Mindway AI on the UK market, helping operators meet the new British legislative requirements. Paula has a vast industry network in the UK and a deep understanding of the challenges operators face. She is passionate about helping operators boost player protection through early detection and intervention.
|
Andrea Lazenby
|
With over 30 years of commercial experience Andrea is a Compliance Consultant with Betsmart Consulting, a compliance consultancy business which provides bespoke support solutions to the whole range of gambling businesses; from tier one companies right the way through to start-ups; covering remote and land-based B2C operators, as well as B2B and RegTech providers, across multiple jurisdictions. Andrea’s key skills are ensuring appropriate governance oversight at board level, establishing streamlined, operational compliance frameworks, driving a compliance first mentality by embedding processes with inclusion and transparency at their heart, and ensuring continuous improvement programmes keep pace with ever-changing regulatory landscapes.
|
Shelley Langan-Newton
|
Shelley Langan-Newton is the CEO of SQR, an award-winning tech company focused on making the world safer through inclusive and efficient identity verification. Her career began in performing arts education before transitioning into the tech and telecoms sector, where she has spent the last decade founding and scaling innovative businesses. Shelley has led projects with global organisations including SpaceX, the Eden Project, and RAFx. Driven by lived experience and a passion for safety, Shelley champions technology that empowers individuals and protects communities. She is known for her resilience, leadership, and ability to deliver impact at scale.
|
Brenda Cuby
|
Brenda Cuby is a certified NLP Master, EFT Practitioner, and Hypnotherapist with a passion for helping individuals unlock their full potential. Specialising in mindset transformation, Brenda works one-to-one with clients to shift limiting beliefs and embrace their inner brilliance. With a background as a leading business training provider, she blends therapeutic techniques with practical coaching to empower lasting personal and professional change. Her approach is compassionate, intuitive, and results-driven—earning praise for her ability to create real breakthroughs. Whether supporting entrepreneurs or individuals seeking clarity and confidence, Brenda’s mission is simple: to help people become the best version of themselves.
|
Neil Tyson
|
Neil is an accredited counter fraud specialist and member of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management with over 20 years’ experience in helping senior managers take an ethical and proactive risk-based approach to managing their organisation’s legal and regulatory compliance.
A trusted expert in his field Neil is an international keynote speaker, panelist and moderator. |
Adrian Sladdin
|
Adrian Sladdin is the co-founder of the Ethical Gambling Forum with over ten years’ experience of working with the gambling industry on safer gambling, player protection and education programmes for young people. He is also an experienced conference organiser and host and he currently co-curates the Know Now Safer Gambling conferences in the UK alongside his work with the EGF. He is also a director at Seventh Wave Corporate Training which specialises in leadership and management training, ESG and DEIB, alongside safer gambling training.
|
Jo Abergel
|
Jo Abergel is co-founder of the Ethical Gambling Forum and the founder of Rock Learning. Jo is passionate about challenging the gambling industry on the ethical dilemmas it faces, including problem gambling, financial crime prevention, DEIB and the broader ESG umbrella. Her interactive Ethical Gambling Forums bring together regulators, operators, recovering addicts, safer gambling charities, researchers, affiliates and all other stakeholders to collaborate and share their challenges.
|